Helping children, young people and families to thrive

The annual Victorian Protecting Children Awards (VPCA) recognise and celebrate individuals, teams and groups who demonstrate excellence in working with children, young people and families in Victoria.

Every day, these dedicated individuals face a range of challenges and opportunities all with the shared goal of helping children, young people and families to thrive.

Together we make a difference

A recognition of demonstrated excellence

The prestigious awards have been running for 21 years, showcasing the effort and passion of everyone working in the Victorian child and family services sector and community.

Nominees include individuals, teams and groups who go to exceptional efforts to help keep children and young people safe, and families strong in the Victorian community. This includes people who:

work with families to keep at-risk children and young people safe
empower Aboriginal self-determination and cultural safety
deliver critical support programs
engage young people with education
support strong connections and provide caring homes.

The 2024 Victorian Protecting Children Awards event in pictures

Honouring and recognising a dedicated workforce.

Paul Kelly, highly regarded yidaki and cultural performer, entertaining the audience.

Meena Singh, Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People in Victoria, announcing the Walda Blow Aboriginal Children and Young People Award.

(From left to right) Deb Tsorbaris, Dallas Widdicombe, the Hon. Lizzie Blandthorn, Peta McCammon, Danny O’Kelly, Meena Singh and Sue Sealey enjoying the ceremony.

Attendees enjoying the evening.

Winning team of the Minister’s Award for Excellence in Protecting Children, the Take Two South-Metro Leadership Group, Berry Street and the Hon. Lizzie Blandthorn, Minister for Children and Minister for Disability.

Kirstie Lomas, Chief Practitioner, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and winner of the Robin Clark Leadership Award in 2023.

Together we make a difference.

Minister for Children, the Hon. Lizzie Blandthorn with the Secretary of the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Peta McCammon.

Joint winner of the Robin Clark Making a Difference Award – The Putting Families First team, OzChild, Youth Support + Advocacy Service, Australian African Foundation for Retention and Opportunity, Charis, and Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency.

Video transcript

These awards celebrate leadership and devotion to children, young people and families

Congratulations to the individuals, teams and groups who have been recognised for the meaningful impact they have on the lives of children, young people and families across Victoria.

To view the 2024 Victorian Protecting Children Awards winners and finalists, and those from previous years’ awards, visit the Victorian Protecting Children Awards webpage.