Denise Morcombe named 2025 Sunshine Coast Woman of the Year: A milestone for child safety advocacy

Denise Morcombe has been named the 2025 Sunshine Coast Woman of the Year following a public vote conducted by the Sunshine Coast Daily. With more than 50 per cent of the community vote across a field of over 30 nominees, the honour recognises her long-standing commitment to child safety education and advocacy across Australia.

The award acknowledges the profound impact of Denise Morcombe’s advocacy over two decades, and the relevance of her work to educators, service providers and policymakers committed to strengthening protective practices across early childhood education and care (ECEC) and schools.

Through the Foundation, Denise has helped develop and deliver:

• Evidence-based safety education for children and young people
• National awareness campaigns such as Day for Daniel, Australia’s largest child safety education event
• Professional resources and tools for educators, parents and carers
• Community engagement initiatives supporting early intervention and harm prevention.

The national reach and accessibility of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation (DMF) resources have made them a valued component of child-safe strategies in schools and early learning services.

This recognition may prompt renewed engagement across the sector, particularly as services continue to respond to regulatory reform and increased expectations around child-safe environments.

As the ECEC sector prepares for the rollout of mandatory child safety training in 2026, the work of organisations such as the Daniel Morcombe Foundation remains vital.

Denise Morcombe’s award serves as a reminder that effective child protection relies not only on regulation, but also on shared commitment, practical tools and sustained engagement across all levels of education.

More information about the Foundation’s work and how to get involved is available at danielmorcombe.com.au.

Sources:

• Sunshine Coast Daily via Courier Mail: Denise Morcombe wins Sunshine Coast Woman of the Year award
• Daniel Morcombe Foundation