Deputy Commissioner Ross Barnett, Police Minister Jo-Ann Miller and Assistant Commissioner Alistair Dawson announce the wristbands.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Jo-Ann Miller and North Brisbane District Officer Chief Superintendent Brent Carter are urging parents and carers to avoid losing children at the Ekka by collecting free wristbands and organising a meeting point should they become separated.
Minister Miller said the successful initiative had helped to ensure some of the 55 children lost at the Ekka last year and the 85 the year before were quickly reunited with their parents and caregivers.
“It’s very distressing for both children and parents when they get separated from each other – especially at an event with so many people around like the Ekka,” Minister Miller said.
“As soon as you get to the Ekka, parents should designate a meeting point that their children can try and get to if they find themselves lost. It’s also important that parents point out what a police officer looks like and make it clear that they’re trustworthy figures who are around to help.
Police Minister Miller shows off her wristband.
“Although it’ll be tempting to rush to the Ferris Wheel or go straight for the fairy floss, parents should make picking up a free wristband from the Exhibition Police Station their first priority. The station is the high set wooden building located about 50 metres from Gate 1 on Gregory Terrace.
“The Ekka is a Queensland institution and we want everyone who visits the show from right across the state to be able to enjoy themselves and remain safe.”
Chief Superintendent Brent Carter said that Police encourage parents to know where their children are at all times.
“On arrival at the Ekka, parents should show their children where the police station is located, teach them how to identify a police officer and explain that they need to find a police officer if they become lost.”
Schools or community groups bringing large groups of children to the Ekka are encouraged to register their attendance with police at the wristband marquee at the Ekka Police Station. This will enable Police to quickly contact the relevant carers, should a child become separated from the group.
A separate police display at the Ekka is open from 9am to 7pm daily for the duration of the show.