To provide an opportunity to publicly acknowledge the efforts, commitment and unreserved energy of many people who make a significant contribution to our community to prevent child harm and neglect.

Awards are presented to individuals or groups in the following categories:

• Professional (Non-government) Outstanding contribution to promoting child protection issues in their capacity as a professional working in the child protection (or related) field.
• Professional (Government) Outstanding contribution to child protection at a practice, policy or service development level within the public service.
• Volunteer Invaluable contributions to child protection made by volunteers working in government or non-government agencies.
• Regional Program Program that operates within part of, or across, a region to address some aspect of child protection.
• Education Initiative Development of an innovative approach, research or resource to promote child protection.
• Thriving Communities Initiative Any community operated program, initiative, event or campaign that focuses on enhancing child protection in our communities.
  
• Media & Communications An article, news story, series, publication, campaign or communications strategy that demonstrates a significant contribution to highlighting child protection issues.
• Child Safe Organisation Principles Award For a demonstrated commitment to the ongoing journey of creating a child focused culture that keeps children safe and well ( in line with the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations)
• Youth Participation - Involvement of young people in the planning of a local activity to promote child protection.
• Transition 2 Success Initiative Outstanding young person or outstanding contribution made by local community groups / local business involved with the T2S program to get the best outcomes for young people 15 and over who are involved in the youth justice system or are assessed as being at risk of entering it.
• Our Children Our Future Award Outstanding contribution to honouring connection to family, community, culture and country through the development of policy, programs or practice that promote self-determination for First Nations families, children and young people. 

Nominations requirements:

• Consent to criminal history check, child protection history check, and additional checks by the Child Protection Week Committee.
• Availability for awards ceremony at Parliament House on Thursday, 3 September 2026.
• Availability for media opportunities in weeks leading to Child Protection Week (6-12 September 2026).
• Attendees consent to filming/photography for promotional use.

Nominees can be individuals, groups, or agencies, with achievements from work duties or community service.

• Email: caitlin@childprotectionweek.org.au