North Queensland shines as Sector Excellence and Achievements
Celebrated at our 2022 Awards
QATSICPP was pleased to host more than 200 Members, dignitaries and guests for the 2022 Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Child Protection Awards, on Friday 2 December at Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane. The occasion was a celebratory one, with a record 33 nominations submitted for acknowledgement of achievements across 5 Award categories.
The evening commenced with Derek Oram-Sandy from Yerongpan Aboriginal Corporation providing a Traditional Welcome to Country and Didgeridoo Solo.
Master of Ceremonies Dion Tatow opened the formalities by observing a Minute of Silence in remembrance of loved ones, colleagues and community members who had passed since we last gathered.
Ms Rachel Atkinson, QATSICPP Chair and Co-Chair of the Queensland First Children and Families Board, welcomed guests to our first face to face Awards ceremony since the pandemic began. In acknowledging the determination, strength and humility of our Sector, Ms Atkinson congratulated all the nominees on well-deserved recognition of their contribution to the lives of our children, young people and families.
“Tonight’s Awards represent our Sector’s ongoing dedication and commitment to a future where our children enjoy all their rights, and are safe, cared for, and able to achieve their full potential” said Ms Atkinson.
Cultural Leadership Award
Garry Cummins, Family Participation Program Facilitator, was announced the winner of this year’s Cultural Leadership Award. Garry’s nomination highlighted his mentoring within his community as well as leadership and cultural authority within his workplace.
Garry’s win is the first Award for the Aboriginal and Islander Development Recreational Women’s Association (AIDRWA) in Mount Isa.
Practice Excellence Award
In a surprise and first for our Awards, 2022 saw 2 (two) winners recognised in the Practice Excellence Award category.
The Family Care Services Team, Palm Island Community Company on Palm Island were presented with one of the 2022 Practice Excellence Awards. The small team consists of Jeanie Sam, Georgina Haines, and Sian Daisy, with the Selection Panel observing the Team’s nomination showcased “Nanna Love”.
Next, Allan Lovell, Family Development Officer at Mulungu Aboriginal Corporation Primary Health Care Service in Mareeba was invited to the stage to receive acknowledgement of his accomplishments. Allan’s nomination showed how committed he is to supporting families and having a strong cultural practice framework.
Allan’s win is the third Practice Excellence Award for Mulungu.
Innovation within the Sector Award
The winner of the 2022 Innovation within the Sector Award is the Community Researchers, “New Ways for Our Families” ANROWS Research Project – Lela Idagi, Rachel Bruce, Tracy Gray, Mary Hostalek, Jamie Gibson, Beverly Mitchell, Traven Lea, Carol Miller, Ursula Barber and Jennifer Parsons. The nomination demonstrated true collaboration and is truly cross-sectorial with members from across the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled sector.
Youth Advocacy Award
The nominees for this year’s Youth Advocacy Award were of an extremely high standard. All the nominations expressed that the nominees show up for our children and young people every single time. Each of the nominees are committed to ensuring that our children grow up safe, connected to kin, community, and culture.
Zhanae Dodd, Project Officer at Darumbal Community Youth Service Incorporated in Rockhampton was selected winner of the 2022 Youth Advocacy Award. Zhanae’s nomination highlighted from the very beginning that she is an exceptional young leader for her community and for all First Nations young people.
Zhanae was unable to attend the Awards dinner due to community commitments, providing a video message. Elizabeth Adams, QATSICPP Board Member, accepted the Award on Zhanae’s behalf. Zhanae’s win is the second consecutive Youth Advocacy Award for the Darumbul team.
Family Award
QATSICPP would like to acknowledge the following five families for promoting and advocating for the rights, safety and wellbeing of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
Sarina Adams
nominated by the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak
Lynne and Robin Bloor
nominated by Central Queensland Indigenous Development Ltd
Gracie Harrison
nominated by Central Queensland Indigenous Development Ltd
Khe-Sahn Savo
nominated by Mulungu Aboriginal Corporation Primary Health Care Service
Cheyenne Weldon, Myrtle Weldon, Tony Weldon, Charmaine Spence
nominated by Central Queensland Indigenous Development Ltd
The inaugural Black Excellence Award
Nominated across all four Sector categories, the Selection Panel and the team at QATSICPP recognised Madeline Lea as our inaugural Black Excellence Award recipient. Madeline lives, breathes and leads with culture on a daily basis. Her nominations demonstrate her commitment to the application of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle, Active Efforts and Closing the Gap for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities. Furthermore, Madeline’s nomination highlights that she is pushing forward the reform agenda and that she is not afraid to Get Up, Stand Up and Show up.
Fresh from his performance as Cassio in Queensland Theatre’s production of Othello, Benjin Mazza entertained dinner guests, with DJ Red closing the evening with music and dancing.
QATSICPP would like to take this opportunity to thank the Queensland Government, the Queensland Child Protection Week Committee, PeakCare and our Members for their support of this important night for our Sector.
Contact: Lenny Dahlen, Member Engagement and Communications Manager
Email: lennydahlen@qatsicpp.com.au
