The message comes on Bravehearts' White Balloon Day on Friday, which also marks National Child Protection Week this week.

The annual White Balloon Day, which is now in its 25th year, encourages workplaces and schools to wear white and raise funds and awareness for child sexual abuse.

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Bravehearts South Coast Chairperson Wendy Woodward said it's time to get Ditto's 'Keep Safe Adventure Show' back into local schools.

"The number of children sexually assaulted each year is staggering and unacceptable, we are committed to breaking the silence around this issue, raising funds for important education programs and helping kids who are suffering," said Wendy.

"We encourage people to wear white and support this important cause."

The aim of White Balloon Day is to shine the light on the issue and encourage and educate children on consent, personal safety and how to speak up when they are not sure how to.

Ditto the Lion and his team of helpers usually travel around schools and childcare centres on the South Coast, educating young children about the issue of child sexual abuse on a safe and non-confronting level.

This year, due to lockdown restrictions, Wendy said the usual Teddy Bear's Picnic and school visits have been postponed.

However, Wendy added that Braveheart's message will soon have further reach on the South Coast once lockdown restrictions are lifted, due to the organisation securing a permanent home in the region.

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When South Coast local Janie Forrest heard about Bravehearts' Ditto's Keep Safe Adventure program and the plans to establish it permanently in her area, she threw her support behind the cause with a $60,000 donation.

"This year's plans are just in abeyance. It's really sad to say. Except when we can come back, we're excited because Bravehearts has been reformed and re energized with our new home," said Wendy.

"COVID kept things from running last year, too, but I really wanted Bravehearts to be based here.

"So we met with a local supporter who gave us a very generous donation."

Bravehearts, which used to travel to the South Coast, is now here permanently. Wendy said this will ensure the program is run locally more regularly and efficiently.

The not-for-profit was brought to the Shoalhaven after the founder of Bravehearts Hetty Johnston spoke at a Shoalhaven City Council meeting in 2006 to congratulate council for passing a motion put forward by Wendy to bring Bravehearts to the area.

If your school or childcare centre would like to book a visit from Bravehearts' Ditto, please contact edcuation@bravehearts.org.au

For more information on White Balloon Day visit: https://whiteballoonday.com.au/

For more information on Bravehearts visit: https://bravehearts.org.au/

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