The ongoing well being of our children and young people requires the dedicated efforts of many individuals and organisations around Tasmania. The Child Protection Awards program is an opportunity to acknowledge those people whose contributions assist in response to child abuse and neglect in our communities.
The aim of the Child Protection Awards Program is to recognise outstanding service provisions and leadership in improving the lives of vulnerable children, young people and their families in Tasmania. The Awards Program provides an opportunity to publicly recognise individuals and organisations from all levels of government and the community, who work tirelessly to protection and enhance the lives of children in Tasmania.
Regional presentations were held during Child Protection Week (7-13 September 2008) to announce the recipients of the Awards with the Minister announcing the State Award at the Southern Presentation on the 12 September 2008.
The successful recipients are involved in a range of innovative services from supporting young mothers, child health, early intervention, sexual abuse, child protection through to father/son, foster caring and reunification programs.
Click here to view Guidelines for Child Protection Awards Program
2008 Recipients
Helen Gowlland
South East – Volunteers Award
Statewide Achievement Award 2008
Helen is an exceptional foster carer who has cared for children in the child protection system for approximately 20 years.
Helen began her career as a nurse. Her initial experiences caring for children with disabilities was at Yalambee Hostel where she was the matron, overseeing the care of 27 children. She demonstrated her commitment to quality care options for children living with disabilities when Helen helped to set up Rosebank Cottage, where she also worked until 1982.
As a Departmental foster carer, Helen has cared for a number of children with profound disabilities, demonstrating unfailing commitment in providing care, comfort and love to children whose needs are extremely high, unchanging and individual.
Ann Harrison
South East - Strengthening Communities, Regional Programs Award
Ann is the coordinator of Risdon Vale Neighbourhood Centre, a position she has held for over 20 years.
As a resident of Risdon Vale Community, she has actively participated in all facets of community life, using her knowledge and position to strongly advocate for residents. She also works in the capacity as President of the Tasmanian Association of Community Houses.
Ann is passionate and enthusiastic about her community and has a particular passion to support young people. She was instrumental in establishing a number of projects, from Breakfast Clubs to leading in the development of the TOOL project with three other Neighbourhood Houses.
She has also worked tirelessly over the past 10 years to secure full time funding for 33 Tasmanian Neighbour Hood Houses this year. This is a significant achievement of immeasurable benefit to families and children throughout the state.
Janine O'Neill
South East - Education and Awareness Award
Janine has worked within the NGO sector for many years. It is especially her work in facilitating community and professional training for the So-Safe Program with Family Planning Tasmania that prompted this nomination. Janine demonstrated outstanding contribution and commitment to working in partnership with children, young people and their families, community members and professional agencies. The So-Safe program has been designed to work with people across ages and spectrum of need and disability - providing a structured resource framework with the assistance of symbols, visual tools and concepts to enable people to learn about social skills, social safety and sexual education.
Siubhan MacDonald
South East - Public Sector Award
Siubhan is an outstanding leader, forward thinker, a sensitive, experienced and creative practitioner and social worker who embraces the concepts of social justice and social wellbeing for children and young people affected by family violence. Her work as the innovator of the Moxie Program (ability to face difficulties with strength and courage) is inspirational, drawing on the collective skills and wisdom of her team to develop a 'world first'. Her contribution and commitment along with her prodigious knowledge of the complex area of the affects of family violence on children and young people has been outstanding.
She has worked with the Children & Young Peoples Program (CHYPP) southern team members to establish a therapeutic counselling program based on evidence based practice that is contemporary, child centred and focussed and committed to the best interest principles for children and young people.
Wendy Stott & Angela Wood
South East - Professional Services Non Government Award
Both Wendy and Angela have worked for nearly 20 years as family support officers in the Bridgewater/Gagebrook area.
They focus on supporting families away from the statutory end of Child Protection. With their partnership approach along with other service providers and local councils they have worked with families across the spectrum and continuum of need and service delivery, providing a generic and flexible response to each client. Their focus on early intervention in the life of the problem/crisis have assisted in developing family and community capacity.
They have grown with the needs of family support in the areas, providing services in a flexible and timely manner. As part of the Jordon River Service and the Tasmanian Association of Family Support Services they have imparted their knowledge to others through training provision to families (establishing the "Lets Go Girls" group for young mothers) and assisting professional agencies in their day to day work of caring for children. Both are widely described as dynamic, dedicated, hard working, committed and someone who would provide a reliable respectful service with a gentle practical approach.
Ngaire Wheeler
North West – Professional Services Non Government Award
Ngaire has undertaken community education on parenting issues, involved in formal child care and neighbourhood house programs. She has worked tirelessly to attract relevant services for the West Coast, acted as a mentor to other workers while providing assistance and education with respect and empathy for each and every client adding positive dimension to individuals, families and the community at large.
Andrea Askew
North West – Public Sector Award
Andrea has been commended for her ability as a Child Protection Worker to be able to engage safely with clients and negotiate a calm and centred approach to what is usually a very challenging and traumatic time for children and families.
She demonstrates determination in her day to day role as a child as a Child Protection Worker who never gives up in the face of adversity.
Senior Constable Ian Edwards
North West - Strengthening Communities
Ian has put his heart into increasing community capacity through the positive interaction of local children with Early Intervention Police, Community Police and Non-Government associations in the creation of the after school program in the Wiseman Street Park in Shorewell.
Ian’s efforts have mobilised the community and service providers to enhance choices and provide healthy, positive avenues for children in the after school hours.
Sharon Moreton
North West – Education and Awareness Award
Sharon’s inspirational tenacity and commitment to her work and ultimately her contribution to the community is best summed up in the words of one of her clients “Sharon is great; she has helped me so much, without Sharon I wouldn’t have been able to go on.”
Sharon offers incredibly diverse supports and services to clients, due to her ability to research and find resources for the local community. She organises local parent support groups, 123 magic courses, therapy and play groups for children and school holiday camps. Sharon is always open to building and developing programs and groups in partnership with other community services.
Ian Williams
North West – Volunteers Award
Ian works tirelessly on the Father/Son Canoe Program committing much of his own time. The program is a unique and safe early intervention program for boys.
It successfully creates and builds on intergenerational relationships which provide a stabilising influence, enhances and strengthens family bonds and works with participants on their individual issues within a non-confrontational, non-threatening environment while facilitating positive social development and improved individual social outcomes.
Galileo House Team- Sexual Assault Support Service
South West - Professional Services (Non Government) Award
Galileo House provides counselling and support for children and young people who have been subjected to sexual abuse as well as family members and other support people. This service provides counselling and support to children under 13 years and their families, for problem sexualised behaviour issues and is currently developing group programs to prevent children from offending against other children therefore reducing the numbers of children subjected to sexual abuse.
Galileo House staff make a significant difference to the lives of many children and their families who have been affected by sexual abuse. The concept of a themed trauma centre for children was developed in order to break down the stigma children and families can experience when attending a service for sexual abuse. Staff at Galileo House work in partnership with foster carers, school counsellors, teachers and other professionals such as lawyers, doctors, paediatricians and Child Protection staff, to ensure that each individual child and family receives the best possible support and assistance.
Meg Dickson
South West – Public Sector Award
Meg is employed as a Child Protection Worker in the Case Management area. Meg has a long history of employment and commitment in the community sector and has worked for many years with vulnerable children and families in a number of roles. Meg has embraced the current reform process and practice framework and consistently demonstrates child centred, family focused and collaborative practice.
Meg makes a difference in the lives of the children and families she works with and is a role model and mentor to her colleagues in Child Protection. She demonstrates efficient, effective practice and communication and always keeps as her focus the best interests of the child. Meg is inclusive, warm and a highly valued member of our Child Protection workforce.
Katrina Beams
South West - Strengthening Communities, Regional Programs Award
Katrina has been a teacher of many years and is always totally committed to equity, and to forming strong relationships with both the students, staff and families. Katrina has worked extensively with students with disabilities, as well as with those who are at risk of or are disengaged from education. In the words of her manager and nominator- ‘her work is outstanding’.
Katrina is both strategic and operational in her work, which is characterised by strong, positive relationships, highly effective communication, and a willingness to think creatively about solutions, and an immovable belief in young people and their right to an educational provision.
Katrina works inclusively and collaboratively with the Hobart City Council, Tasmania Department of Police and Emergency Management, Youth Justice and Children and Family Services. Her work, at its heart, is about supporting all students, whatever it takes, to meet their potential. Much of her work with families and students involves developing their own capacity, and their own ability to build protective behaviours.
Marlene Horne
South West - Education and Awareness Award
Marlene Horne has worked in the social work industry for twenty four years, both in the community and government sector. The majority of her work has been with children and their families.
For the last seventeen years, Marlene has worked in various roles within Children and Family Services. In 2006 Marlene commenced her role as the Manager of the Professional Learning and Development Team. During this time she has successfully established a training unit, has developed and implemented Beginning Practice programs for new child protection practitioners, with a total of ten programs have been completed to date with over 180 staff being trained. Her team have developed and implemented training for staff relating to Case and Care Planning, Child Protection Practice Framework, Family Partnership, Child Protection Information System and Supervision.
Marlene's greatest beliefs are that “it is easier to build a child than fix an adult” and “children have the right to fulfill their potential.”
Sergeant Rebecca Bain and the Early Intervention Team South – Department of Police and Emergency Management
South West - Early Intervention Award
Early Intervention Unit (EIU) was formed in 2006 largely due to an increase in the numbers of youth offending and a decrease in the age of youth offenders. Restorative principles underpin the work of the EIU’s which has been practiced by police for the past 10 years. The Southern EIU provides support to the Southern Policing District from Granton to Dover.
Currently, the Southern EIU is assisting to support approximately 80 youth on southern based Inter-Agency Support Team. The collaborative and innovative work of the EIU is acknowledged as best practice and the team works effectively with Department of Education, Youth Justice and Child Protection Services to assist in the protection of children and the early diversion from harm and criminal behaviour. The EIU displays great empathy and skill in working with children and young people.
Tracey Wicks
North - Professional Services (Non Government) Award
Under the guidance and inspirational leadership of Tracey Wicks, NEWPIN has evolved into a very successful program in Northern Tasmania. NEWPIN has been in operation in Launceston for several years and provides intensive support to parents focussing on building relationships with their children. The service often supports families through the reunification process or works with the family to ensure children remain in their care.
Also a significant number of the mothers who have participated in the NEWPIN programs have provided testimonials to support Tracey’s nomination.
Shelley Burke
North – Public Sector Award
Shelley has been recognised for her work as a Child Health Nurse and is known for her patience, understanding and sensitivity when working with parents who have young families. Shirley has made an enormous contribution by demonstrating her commitment to working with families who may not wish to engage with services or have come to the notice of child protection. Shelley has that ability to build trust and rapport.
Northern Response Team
North – Public Sector Award
The Child Protection Response team are the first port of call for many families who are entering the Child Protection System. The awards recognise the innovative and creative responses that lead to better outcomes for families. The Response team have demonstrated a commitment to working in partnership with families and the wider community.
Northern Suburbs Community Centre Inc
North - Strengthening Communities, Regional Programs Award
The Northern Suburbs Community Centre provide support for children, young people and their families. The innovative and inspirational leadership of the centre staff administer a range of services that focus on children’s programs and activities which include Tini Tots Parenting Playgroup, Chat and Walk and a range of family support services.
Mary Reason
North - Education and Awareness Award
Mary has received this award for thinking outside the square when it comes to engaging families in the child protection system. Mary is the ‘Reasons for Change’ creator and facilitator.
Mary runs sessions for up to 10 weeks that address the issues and has adapted this program to suit the various needs of families within the child protection system. Mary provides an opportunity for families to improve their situation and develop personal and parenting skills necessary to keep their children safe. Many of the participating families request the groups continue as they make positive changes in their lives.
Margaret and Ian Hill
North - Volunteers Award
Margaret and Ian received this award for their work as foster carers.
Margaret and Ian Hill have been approved carers with the Department since October 2004 when they began their caring as respite carers for family group homes. In this capacity they relieved the primary carers when they went on holidays. They have since gone on to become primary carers at a Departmental family group home and at times they have managed up to nine children in their care without batting an eyelid.
They have demonstrated dedication to their role as care-givers and have a commitment to working with Child Protection and other services to best meet the needs of children in their care.