Queenslanders awarded for child protection efforts

Queensland Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women Di Farmer has marked the 30th anniversary of National Child Protection Week by recognising a number of Queenslanders who have “worked tirelessly to make a difference in a child’s life”.

National Child Protection Week, held from 6 to 12 September, asks all Australians to make child safety their business, and to be part of a movement that shifts community attitudes to the safety of young children.

“Much has changed since Child Protection Week started in Australia 30 years ago,” Ms Farmer said.

“Where previously it was hidden behind closed doors, child safety and the protection of children is now everybody’s business.” 

During Child Protection Week, she continued, “we all have a role in putting children first and reflecting on what we can do as individuals to ensure young Queenslanders are safe, loved and cared for.” 

The events of COVID-19 have been described as “a perfect storm” in terms of vulnerability for families, and the community needs to step up in response, by offering support to parents under pressure, and educating themselves on how they can support children and families. 

Despite the challenges of 2020, and the increasing complexity of families affected by drug and alcohol abuse and domestic violence, child protection workers, Ms Farmer said, never lose focus on what’s important – the safety and welfare of vulnerable children.

The achievement of the following individuals in their efforts to protect children was acknowledged earlier this week in a ceremony: 

• Professional (Non-Government) Award – Lalania Tusa – Anglicare Southern Queensland
• Professional (Government) Award – The Community Youth Response 
• Volunteer Award – Elizabeth Melvin – The Pyjama Foundation

• Regional Program Award –   NPAFACS Client Services Program
• Education Initiative Award – Multi-Agency Re-engagement Program
• Youth Participation Award – Brisbane Catholic Education – Student Voice Initiative  

• Media & Communications Award – We’re Just Kids As Well Media Campaign
• Thriving Communities Initiative Award – Chancellor State College – Talking Families Initiative
• Addressing overrepresentation of ATSI families, children and young people in the child protection system Award – Tammy Wallace – Churches of Christ in Queensland

• Transition 2 Success Initiative Award – Adrian Crush – Peirson Farms General Manager
• Child Safe Organisation Award – Act for Kids

Ms Farmer thanked the Queensland Child Protection Week Committee and volunteers for making the 30th anniversary of Child Protection week possible.

“30 years on, our commitment to building a better future for vulnerable young Queenslanders has never been stronger,” Ms Farmer said.  

“I’m proud of the achievements of Queensland’s frontline child protection workers and volunteers in helping to make child safety everybody’s business.”

More information on National Child Protection Week can be found here.