Awards acknowledge outstanding Queenslanders

Hardworking Queenslanders have been recognised for their contribution towards protecting some of the state’s most vulnerable children and young people, at the launch of Child Protection Week.

Child Safety Minister Tracy Davis congratulated four individuals as well as eight groups who were recognised for their dedication and commitment at a special ceremony at Parliament House.

“Child Protection Week is the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the selflessness and hard work of everyday Queenslanders who help to prevent child abuse and neglect in our communities,” Ms Davis said.

“Working with children who have experienced abuse or neglect can often be challenging and confronting.

“The role individuals and organisations play in protecting Queensland’s children and young people should never be understated.”

Ms Davis said an additional award was presented to Joanne Stout from the Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Service, for her exceptional work to reconnect children to their family, community and culture.

The awards ceremony marked the Queensland launch of National Child Protection Week, which runs from 1–7 September 2013.

“The week provides an opportunity to raise awareness of child protection issues and teach young people about how they can best protect themselves,” she said.

“I encourage every Queenslander to take part in events across the state to help remind us that we all play a part in making our state the safest place to raise a child.”

The Newman Government contributed more than $105,000 to Child Protection Week community-based events to help spread the word that protecting children and young people is everybody’s business.

A list of Child Protection Week events is available at: www.childprotectionweek.org.au/events/events/eventlist.

2013 award recipients included:

·         Professional (Government) Award: Tricia Smith, South Burnett Child Safety Service Centre.

·         Professional (Non-government) Award: Denise Coputt, Save the Children Australia.

·         Volunteer Award: Lavina Little      

·         Regional Program Award: Love Bites Program, Bundaberg and District Steering Committee

·         Education Initiative Award (two winners): Safe Is project, The Aboriginal and Islander Independent Community School Inc. Gilimbaa and Family Planning Queensland and SUPA Kids, Domestic Violence Prevention Centre Gold Coast Inc.

·         Youth Participation: CREATE Foundation, This Roadmap is our future: Young people having a say in the Carmody Inquiry.

·         Media and Communications Award: Day for Daniel Campaign, Daniel Morcombe Foundation.

·         Community Initiative Award: Youth Cultural Hot Spot Response, delivered in partnership with Micah Projects and Queensland Police.

[ENDS] 29 August 2013

Media Contact: Minister Davis’ office         3235 4280