Outstanding carers, young people, and advocates have been recognised at this year’s South Australian Child Protection Awards, which acknowledge excellence in the sector.
A record number of nominations were received across 12 award categories, which include the prestigious Minister for Child Protection Lifetime Achievement Award and a new category for Community Service.
The winners include Foster Carers of the Year Margie and Gary Ferrett who have looked after more than 300 children over the past 30 years in South Australia and the Northern Territory.
This year’s Outstanding Achievement of a Child or Young Person award went to Ngarrindjeri woman Jacinta, who became a kinship carer for her newborn niece when she was 19 years old.
The Department for Child Protection hosts the awards – now in their fourth year - in partnership with the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN).
Others recognised at the ceremony include community champions such as Hubertus Dirix, who was named Volunteer of the Year. Bert dedicates his time and kindness each week to ensure children and young people in care do not miss out on opportunities, by providing transport and mentoring.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Child Protection Katrine Hildyard
There are hundreds of outstanding carers, staff, volunteers, organisations, and young people who, every single day, help improve the lives of children and young people in contact with the child protection and family support system.
These awards are about recognising and honouring these people, their hard work and dedication, in the good times and the hard, and to thank and acknowledge them for all that they do.
I am always incredibly inspired by the hundreds of inspiring stories that are celebrated during the Child Protection Awards - every one of the winners and indeed all those nominated are doing life changing work of which they can be so proud and for which we are so grateful.
Quotes attributable to DCP Chief Executive Jackie Bray
There are so many positive stories to be uncovered about those going above and beyond in their support for children and young people and their families.
The awards are about recognising and celebrating those dedicated to building safe, loving and fulfilling environments for children - I couldn’t be prouder of what our community has collectively achieved.
Quotes attributable to NAPCAN chief executive Leesa Waters
It is always a pleasure to partner with DCP to present the South Australian Child Protection Awards, and I am never surprised by the magnitude of passion and incredible dedication from individuals, organisations, and young people in South Australia.
While we all have a responsibility to prevent child abuse and support children and young people across our communities, being able to reflect on and acknowledge the hard work across the sector is very heartwarming.
The winners include:
- Outstanding Achievement of a Child or Young Person: Jacinta
- Active Efforts Award: Iga Warta Cultural Camp, Anglicare SA
- Outstanding Service Award – Positive Impact: The Young Parent Project, Junction Australia
- Outstanding Service Award – Wellbeing and Development: Australian Dental Foundation
- Outstanding Service Award – Sector Development: Australia’s First Mockingbird Family Researchers, Flinders University
- Outstanding Service Award – Regional Impact: Kerry Court, Uniting Country SA
- South Australian Foster Carer of the Year: Margie and Gary Ferrett
- South Australian Kinship Carer of the Year: Keisha and Dale Mildwaters
- Volunteer of the Year: Hubertus Dirix
- The Voice of Children and Young People in Care: Living Arts Program, Life Without Barriers
- Community Service Award: Operation Flinders Adventure Mentoring program, Operation Flinders Foundation
- Minster for Child Protection Lifetime Achievement Award: Sue Barr
For more information on the awards, visit childprotection.sa.gov.au/awards.