2026 Award finalists announced

09/09/2026

A children’s centre, a youth council and volunteers providing countless hours to support children and young people are among the finalists of the 2026 SA Child Protection & Family Support Awards.

The awards shine a light on children and young people with a care experience, carers, volunteers, staff, non-government organisations and Aboriginal and Community Controlled Organisations working to keep children safe, supported and thriving.

This year, more than 300 nominations were received across 10 categories. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Friday 9 October at Adelaide Oval.

The finalists are:

Active Efforts Award	Ghenelle Brennan, Department for Child Protection Michelle Holthouse & Lawrence Webster, Uniting Country SA Murraylands Cultural Youth Council, Department for Child Protection
Minister for Child Protection Lifetime Achievement Award	Ann Kasprzak, Centacare Catholic Community Services Craig Rigney, KWY Aboriginal Corporation Susanna LaFratta, Department for Child Protection
Positive Impact Award	Lisa Roe, Family Day Care Melinda Eckert, Department for Child Protection Puddle Jumpers
Regional Impact Award	Co-location Model Port Lincoln, Centacare Catholic Country SA & Department for Child Protection Clare Valley Children’s Centre, Department for Education Dr Ivan Raymond, Life Buoyancy Institute Foundation
Thriving Sector Award	Irene Stanford & Jackson Tanner, Junction Australia RAISE Parent Inclusion Program, The Reily Foundation Safeguarding Team, Goodstart Early Learning
Voice of Child Award	Diagonal Care Team Area 5A, Department for Child Protection Gail Wolf, HenderCare Foundation Sean Fahey, Department of Human Services
Volunteer of the Year	Loralie Murchie, Department for Child Protection Roslyn Mahon, Department for Child Protection Steve James, Department for Child Protection
Young Achiever Award	Aaliyh Hansen Aliyah Harvey Allie Goodall
Foster Carer of the Year	Belinda Lane, AnglicareSA Maria Kouimanis, AnglicareSA Vashti Janzen, Uniting Communities
Kinship Carer of the Year	Emily Fullerton & Chad Fowler, Life Without Barriers Flayme Rollins, Martinthi - InComPro Heather Downie, Department for Child Protection

The awards are a partnership between the Department for Child Protection (DCP) and the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN), with finalists announced during National Child Protection Week. Lutheran Care is the 2026 Awards Gold Sponsor.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Child Protection Alice Rolls

Congratulations to this year’s award finalists! This is an inspiring mix of individuals and teams who are going above and beyond to keep children safe, cared for and supported to reach their potential.

Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination. It’s important we recognise and celebrate those working in a field where accolades aren’t commonplace.

Quotes attributable to NAPCAN Chief Executive Officer Leesa Waters

These awards recognise the care, commitment and persistence of people making a real difference in the lives of children, young people and families.

This year’s National Child Protection Week theme, Every Conversation Matters: Shifting Conversation to Action, is reflected in every finalist’s work. Conversations help us understand what needs to change, but they must lead to action. That means taking a seat at the kids’ table by listening to and ensuring children and young people’s voices shape the decisions that affect them.

Quotes attributable to Lutheran Care Chief Executive Officer Ian Byrne

What stands out about these awards is the breadth of contribution they recognise. Different roles, with a common purpose.

Every finalist has contributed in their own way to make the system stronger and create opportunities for children and young people to feel safe, supported and thrive. Lutheran Care is honoured to help celebrate them.

Lutheran Care is proud to be Gold Sponsor of the awards, and we look forward to coming together to celebrate the finalists, hear their stories and recognise the difference they are making for children, young people and families across South Australia.