By Marina Toailoa, Business Risk & Compliance

My journey into the realm of security has been unconventional, leading me from the dark realities of correctional facilities to the heart of our communities, driven by a singular, powerful purpose: to empower parents and protect the most vulnerable among us. This article is the story of that transformation, of how a career focused on the consequences of crime illuminated the urgent need for proactive protection, leading to the birth of the Mummy Safety Security Project

My professional life once revolved around the complex, often challenging, environment of correctional facilities. It was a world of strict protocols, intricate security measures and with a constant focus on managing risk. When I first stepped into that world my understanding of crime was largely theoretical, shaped by legal frameworks and societal narratives. However, the daily realities of those environments quickly reshaped my perspective. I encountered individuals whose lives had been irrevocably altered by their actions, but more profoundly, I bore witness to the devastating ripple effects of crimes, particularly those that touched the innocent.

A Recurring Theme

It was within this environment that I began to see a recurring and deeply disturbing thread: the pervasive issue of crimes committed against children. These weren’t just statistics; they were stories, often heartbreaking, that underscored a critical vulnerability in our society. I always struggled to deal with incidents and operations involving children who were the victims. The sheer volume and nature of these cases was a stark awakening. It became clear that, while the justice system dealt with the aftermath, there was a desperate, unmet, need for preventative measures, for knowledge that could shield our children from harm before it occurred. This realisation wasn’t just professional; it was deeply personal, and hit me hard.

As a mother, these insights struck me with unparalleled force. The theoretical understanding of crime transformed into a very protective instinct. I began to scrutinise every aspect of my own children’s safety with a newfound intensity, applying the lessons learnt from the most difficult circumstances. I delved into understanding the nuances of vulnerability, the tactics of predators and, crucially, the practical strategies for deterrence and protection. This wasn’t just about my family; it was about every family. The knowledge I gained from such a challenging environment felt too vital to keep to myself. It ignited a burning desire to share these critical protection tips with the larger community so that, together, we could build a stronger, safer shield around all our children.

The realisation that the very strategies used to understand and mitigate criminal behaviour could be inverted and applied to preventative child protection became the cornerstone of my new mission.

A Clear Goal

My goal was clear: to translate complex security principles and real-world insights into accessible, actionable protection tips for parents and caregivers. This project is built on the belief that empowerment, not fear, is the most potent tool in a parent’s arsenal. We aim to equip families with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the modern world’s challenges, from the digital landscape to physical environments.

The Mummy Safety Security Project focuses on critical areas vital for contemporary child safety. We delve into the complexities of online safety, teaching parents how to create secure digital environments and foster responsible online habits. We address antibullying strategies, empowering children and parents to identify, prevent and respond to bullying effectively.

Emergency preparedness is another cornerstone, ensuring families have the plans and skills to act decisively when unforeseen events occur. We also emphasise situational awareness and public child safety, providing practical techniques for navigating public spaces with confidence and addressing the ever-present concern of stranger danger by teaching children vital personal boundary skills. Each module is meticulously developed to be practical, relevant and easy to implement, ensuring every parent can become their child’s most effective security agent.

A Collective Responsibility

Child safety is not, and cannot be, a solitary endeavour. It is a collective responsibility, a shared commitment that requires the active participation of every member of our community. My experiences have reinforced the undeniable truth that, when we work together, when we share knowledge and support one another, we create an impenetrable shield around our children. The project actively seeks to foster this sense of collective responsibility, transforming isolated concerns into a powerful, unified front.

Looking ahead, the vision for the Mummy Safety Security Project is ambitious yet deeply rooted in necessity. We aim to scale our reach significantly, extending our training and resources to 200 schools across Sydney within the next year. This expansion is not merely about numbers; it’s about initiating a broader, national conversation about child protection, elevating awareness and embedding safety as a fundamental value into every household. We envision a future where every parent feels equipped, every child feels secure, and every community stands united in its commitment to protecting its youngest members.

This is more than a project; it’s a movement, building a legacy of safety, one family, one school, one community at a time. By empowering parents with knowledge, fostering community collaboration and promoting proactive safety strategies, we are not just reacting to threats; we are building a resilient future.

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