- Inaugural Child Protection Excellence Awards held as part of National Child Protection Week
- 91 nominations for individuals and teams were received across seven categories
- National Child Protection Week is celebrated from 1 to 7 September 2024
The outstanding contribution of child protection workers across Western Australia have been acknowledged at the inaugural Child Protection Excellence Awards held yesterday.
The Excellence Awards recognised child protection workers and teams who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to keeping children, young people, families and carers safe and supported across the State.
A total of 91 nominations were received, acknowledging the exceptional dedication of both individual workers and entire teams across seven award categories. The winners included:
- Minister's Award for Excellence in Child Protection - Sharon Young, senior field worker family domestic violence, East Kimberley (Kununurra);
- Active Efforts Award - Bindjareb Boodja Team, Bindjareb Boodja (Mandurah), South Metro District;
- Chief Practitioner's Award - Renae Smith, district director, West Kimberley District (Broome);
- Lifetime Achievement Award - Tracey Nicolson, district director, Joondalup Office, North Metro District;
- Outstanding Metropolitan Services Award - Caroline Speirs, project manager, North Metro District (Mirrabooka);
- Outstanding Regional Services Award - Halls Creek Team, Halls Creek District Office, West Kimberley; and
- Partnership Award - Barry Lawrence, Aboriginal practice leader, Bindjareb Boodja (Mandurah), South Metro District.
Child Protection Minister Sabine Winton presented the Minister's Award for Excellence in Child Protection to Sharon Young for her outstanding commitment to keeping children and families safe across the Kimberley.
The Awards were held at a ceremony at the Walyalup Civic Centre in Fremantle as part of National Child Protection Week.
National Child Protection Week is held from 1 to 7 September and is a reminder that everyone has a role to play in supporting the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
As stated by Child Protection Minister Sabine Winton:
"It is an honour to host the inaugural 2024 Child Protection Excellence Awards to recognise the incredible and important work of WA's child protection workforce.
"Child protection workers provide a critical service to children and families across the State and deserve to be recognised for their valued contribution to the WA community.
"I've met with hundreds of child protection staff from across the State, who all share one thing in common - dedication to make a difference for vulnerable people.
"The Cook Government values the work of all child protection workers who play an important role in keeping children and young people safe."
