Shayne Neumann (Blair, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Last Friday, during National Child Protection Week, I attended the Ipswich and West Moreton Region Child Protection Week Awards night in my electorate of Blair. I thank the incredible professionals in this sector, who help some of the most vulnerable children in our community, and the committee who decided the award winners.

I want to acknowledge Judyann Roberts, who won the Troy Salton Memorial Award for her tireless work in establishing the playgroup at the CWA Hall Esk, in the Somerset region. Well done, Judyann. Queerswich won the Community Volunteer Award, and Rainbow Chaos won the LGBTIQ+ Award. The Kokoda Foundation won the Youth Engagement Award. Brooke Staff from Mission Australia's Intensive Family Support service won the Non-Government Organisation Award. Indigenous health organisation Kambu Health took out the Cultural Award for its Family Participation Program.

These awards raise awareness and highlight the importance of child protection in our communities across the country. They also recognise the efforts and achievements of people and organisations who work tirelessly. Too many children are not growing up safe and supported, and this must change. There are many opportunities to change the trajectory for these children by working together to make sure 'Every child in every community has a fair go'. That was the key message of the week. I congratulate the National Child Protection Week award winners, and I acknowledge the important work that they do.

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