Sunshine Coast radio personality wins Child Protection Week Award

A Sunshine Coast radio presenter and journalist has been recognised for her efforts in helping children in this year’s Child Protection Week Awards.

Child Safety Minister Margaret Keech today announced that Caroline Hutchinson

has taken out the Child Protection Week Media award.

Ms Hutchinson started with 92.7 MIX FM’s breakfast program 10 years ago and has spearheaded the station’s Give Me Five For Kids which raises funds for the children’s ward at Nambour General Hospital.

In eight years of campaigning, Caroline and her team have raised more than $1.5 million for the hospital.

“For almost a decade, Caroline has worked tirelessly for charity organizations on the Sunshine Coast,” Mrs Keech said

“To raise over a million dollars for children is a wonderful achievement and deserves this recognition,” Mrs Keech said.

“Child protection is everyone’s business and this award demonstrates that everyone can play a part in making sure children are safe and happy,” Mrs Keech said.

“The Bligh Government allocated $85,000 to community groups across Queensland so they can highlight Child Protection week.

“Through our Toward Q2 strategy the Bligh Government is helping build stronger, safer, more caring communities – principles embraced by Child Protection Week.

Ms Hutchinson is patron of the Integrated Family and Youth Service and also a director of the Sunshine Coast Health Foundation, whose fundraising has built the Sunshine Coast’s first cancer treatment centre.

“I am incredibly moved by the award, but a little embarrassed too. I’m lucky to have a microphone at my disposal - and a great employer that lets me use it to good cause!,” Ms Hutchison said.

“But the real people who make a difference are the foster carers, teachers, social workers and child support workers who are on the ground every day. That doesn’t mean I’m not grateful – just humbled.”

Caroline, 40, and her husband John have three children Gabe, 17, Milli, 13, and Jemima, 11.

Mrs Keech publicly honoured Caroline and seven other child protection workers and advocates at this year’s Child Protection Week Awards at Parliament House on Thursday, September 11.

“These awards are an acknowledgment of the dedication, hard work and commitment of many individuals and organisations towards the protection of children and young people in Queensland,” Mrs Keech said.

“This year’s Child Protection Week theme, Children See. Children Do…Make Your Influence Positive reminds us that it is everyone’s responsibility to protect our children.

“I commend the award recipients and I hope they inspire others to work towards the safety and wellbeing of Queensland’s children and young people.”

Child Protection Week is coordinated nationally by the National Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) and, in Queensland, by the
Child Protection Week Committee of representatives from government and non-government agencies concerned with child protection issues.

Community groups throughout Queensland have received a share in $85,000

of Queensland Government funding to participate in this year’s Child

Protection Week, which officially starts on Father’s Day (Sunday, September 7) and runs until Saturday, September 13.

Department of Child Safety’s Child Protection Week Awards

Professional (non-government) – Commitment to promoting child protection issues in their capacity as a professional working in the child protection (or related) field.

Lifeline Community Centre’s Robgill Project Team: Brett Sceats, Trent Savill, Stephen Hoban and Clare Breaden

·Volunteer – Invaluable contributions made by volunteers working in government or non-government agencies.

Peter Jukes of the Pyjama Foundation

·Public Sector – Outstanding contributions to child protection at a practice, policy or service development level within the public service.

Leanne Scoines, child protection worker with Child Protection After Hours

·Regional Program – Program that operates within part of, or across, a whole region to address some aspect of child protection.

Sonia Townson, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs education officer, Bamaga

·Education Initiative – Development of an innovative approach or resource to promote child protection.

Detective Senior Sergeant Charysse Pond of Safehands

·Youth Participation – Involvement of young people in a local activity to enhance the wellbeing of children and young people.

St Francis Xavier School, Goodna

·Research Initiative – Academic research or project work that contributes to improved child protection outcomes.

Dr Maree Crawford, paediatrician, Child Advocacy Service, Royal Children’s Hospital, Brisbane

·Media – Recognises an article or series which highlight child protection issues.

Caroline Hutchinson, 92.7 Mix FM, Sunshine Coast Daily

For more details on Child Protection Week, visit www.cpwonline.org

Media contact: Matthew Hyde 3235 9236