Child Protection Week Awards

Assistant Commissioner for Children and Young People and Child Guardian, Barry Salmon, hosted the annual Child Protection Week (CPW) Awards at Parliament House on 1 September 2011.  The awards ceremony recognises and celebrates the commitments of Queenslanders and organisations who work to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Child Protection Week is coordinated across Queensland each year by the Child Protection Week Committee with the support of the Queensland Government, The Courier-Mail, KFC and Channel 7.  The committee is comprised of representatives from a range of government and non-government agencies concerned with child protection issues, including the Commission.

“All of this year’s recipients have made tremendous contributions to improving the safety and wellbeing of Queensland’s children. It was encouraging and motivating to hear their stories, the heartfelt commitment to their work, and how they are inspired by the strength of the children and young people they work to protect,” Mr Salmon said.

The Zillmere State School choir were also a part of the ceremony, entertaining guests with two songs, including a joyful performance of ‘From little things big things grow’.

Mr Salmon said that the theme of Child Protection Week ‘Protecting children is everybody’s business’ was a timely reminder of how together we all play a role in ensuring the safety of Queensland children.

“By working together we can achieve so much more. The Commission is proud of its strong working relationships with child protection stakeholders around Queensland and our shared commitment to protect those most vulnerable,” Mr Salmon said. 

The winners of the 2011 Child Protection Week Awards are:

• Professional (Government) Award - Corelle Davies, Child Safety Director, Queensland Health won the award for outstanding contribution to child protection at a practice, policy or service development level within the public service.
• Professional (Non-Government) Award - Hetty Johnston (Brisbane), founder and executive director, Bravehearts won the award for outstanding contribution to promoting child protection issues, as a professional working in the child protection (or related) field. 
• Volunteer Award- Jill Wesche, Child witness support volunteer with Protect All Children Today (PACT) won the award for invaluable contributions by volunteers working in government or non-government agencies.
• Regional Program Award - Thursday Night Live Initiative, Mount Isa Youth Services Collaboration won the award for a regional program addressing an aspect of child protection.
• Education Initiative Award - Bruce and Denise Morcombe, Daniel Morcombe Foundation won the award for development of an innovative approach, research or resource to promote child protection.
• Youth Participation Award - : Legal Aid Queensland Child Protection Unit and Youth Advocate won the award for recognising the involvement of young people in a local activity to enhance the wellbeing of children and young people.

Child Protection Week runs from 4-10 September with hundreds of events to be held across the state. For further details visit www.childprotectionweek.org.au

Last Updated: September 7, 2011

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