The Department of Communities held its annual Child Protection Excellence Awards on Thursday 10 September 2026.
Held at Doubletree by Hilton, Perth Waterfront, the awards acknowledged outstanding achievements of both individuals and teams who have demonstrated a great commitment to positive outcomes for children, young people, families and carers in Western Australia. This includes leading work with children, young people, families and the community to promote their fundamental right to participate in decision making, as well as honouring children’s rights to be bought up and remain reconnected with their own family, community and culture.
The awards recognised the exceptional dedication of individuals and teams across eight different categories. An outstanding 64 nominations were received across the Child Protection and Family Support division.
- Active Efforts Award
- Corey Czirr – Principal Consultant Aboriginal Policy
- Goldfields Leadership Team
- Outstanding Metropolitan Services Award
- Karen Toth – Team Leader Child Safety
- Armadale District Leadership Team
- Outstanding Regional Services Award
- Deb O’Sullivan – Senior Child Safety Practitioner Care Services
- South West Collie Team
- Collective Action Award
- Aboriginal Family Led Decision Making Project Team
- Tristate (Ngura Kutju) Working Group
- Child Protection Practice Excellence Award
- Catherine Lynch – Senior Practice Development Officer
- Central Triage Team
- Chief Practitioner’s Award
- Emma Ferguson – Regional Executive Director (North Metro)
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Clara Kirika – Director Specialist Child Protection Unit
- Minister's Award for Excellence in Child Protection
- Lynley Pickett – Aboriginal Practice Leader
Local artists “The Indigo Ellis Duo” opened the event with their powerful performance which honoured culture, inspired connection and uplifted the 115 guests in attendance.
The event also welcomed guest speaker, Caroline Speirs, who leads the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) Carer initiative which engages with CaLD Communities to increase the number of CaLD carers and support culturally responsive foster care.
Congratulations to all the winners.
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