Nominations are now open for Victoria’s most celebrated child protection awards that highlight Victorians who work tirelessly to protect and promote the wellbeing of vulnerable children and their families.

The Andrews Labor Government’s Victorian Protecting Children Awards recognise those who are committed to keeping children and young people safe from harm, or who show service excellence in child protection work.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas today invited the community to nominate Werribee locals across 14 award categories, including child protection-specific categories, and those that recognise achievements in the child and family services sector.

There are also awards that acknowledge people and teams working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to improve the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal children and young people, and prioritise connection to culture, community and Country.

Child protection practitioners, carers, academics and community sector staff from across the state, along with people working in family services and educational programs or contributing to child protection policy and practice can all be nominated.

Nominations close on 15 May and winners will be announced at the Victorian Protecting Children Award gala event held in Melbourne during Child Protection Week from 1 until 7 September.

The Labor Government continues to lead the nation in implementing reforms to protect children from harm, being one of the first states to sign up to the national redress scheme, new duty of care requirements and tougher child sexual abuse offence laws.

For further information and to nominate via a written or video submission, visit www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/protectingchildrenawards

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“Every child and young person has a right to grow up feeling safe and loved. This is about celebrating the many Victorians who help promote, protect, prevent and reduce harm to children and young people.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Child Protection Luke Donnellan

“The Victorian Protecting Children Awards provide a great opportunity to recognise those in our community who work tirelessly to improve the lives of vulnerable children and young people.”

“If you know someone who is dedicated to impacting the lives of vulnerable children for the better, then I encourage you to nominate them for an award.”