Nominate a hero in the 2009 Child Protection Awards

by | May 22, 2009 | Media Releases

The Queensland Government is calling for nominations in the 2009 Child Protection Awards, member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said today.

Mr Pitt said the Child Protection Awards were an acknowledgment of the dedication, hard work and commitment of many individuals and organisations towards the protection of children and young people in Queensland.

“Protecting our children is an enormous responsibility,” Mr Pitt said.

“We are looking for people who have gone far beyond the call of duty to protect children and young people in Queensland.”

Mr Pitt said this year’s Child Protection Week theme, Take Action for Child Protection, was a call for everyone in the community to acknowledge their responsibility in protecting our most vulnerable citizens.

“Our children are our future and they have the right to expect us to keep them safe.

“Each year’s Child Protection Award winners inspire us all to work towards the safety and wellbeing of Queensland’s children and young people.”

Child Safety Minister Phil Reeves said the awards presentation ceremony would be held at the launch of Child Protection Week on 3 September at Parliament House.

Awards will be presented to individuals or groups in the following categories:

  • Professional-non-government – for an outstanding contribution to promoting child protection issues in their capacity as a professional working in child protection
  • Professional-government – for an outstanding contribution to child protection at a practice, policy or service development level within the public service
  • Volunteer – for invaluable contributions by volunteers working in government or non- government agencies
  • Regional program – for a program that operates within part of, or across, a whole region to address some aspect of child protection
  • Education Initiative – for the development of an innovative approach or resource to promote child protection
  • Youth participation – for the involvement of young people in a local activity to enhance the wellbeing of children and young people, and
  • Media – to recognise an article or series which highlights child protection issues.

“I would encourage anyone who knows an individual or an organisation who has displayed exceptional commitment to prevent child harm or promote the protection of children and young people to nominate them for an award,” Mr Reeves said.

Awards nominations close on July 13, 2009.

For more information, including eligibility criteria and nomination forms, visit www.childsafety.qld.gov.au, or contact Child Protection Week Awards project officer Caitlin King on 3844 6414.