This award recognises the achievements of an Aboriginal Young Person aged under 25 years for their leadership and contribution to their community.
Bailey joined Ngunya Jarjum in 2020, serving on the Balaa team as a caseworker support member. Employing culturally embedded methodologies, he consistently strives for optimal outcomes for both children and families Bailey’s remarkable leadership and dedication shine through his pivotal role as the head mentor in Ngunya Jarjum’s Mentor program, yielding significant achievements with the youth he engages with.
Demonstrating exceptional growth and potential, Bailey has ascended to the role of Acting Manager for Ngunya Jarjum’s Balaa team. In this capacity, he continues to advance the agency’s cultural vision, perpetually focusing on augmenting positive results for children and families His unwavering commitment to child safety underscores his determination to create favourable circumstances for those under his care.
This award recognises the outstanding contributions of a carer for an Aboriginal child or young person.
In 2015, Dawn commenced her career as a caregiver and has since exhibited steadfast dedication throughout the subsequent six years. Working in tandem with her extended family, she has delivered exceptional care to multiple children, prioritizing their welfare until family reunification is feasible.
Grounded in her Aboriginal heritage and its emphasis on familial ties and cultural heritage, Dawn recognizes the pivotal significance of fostering robust connections between children and their kin. Her resolute commitment to the
community and her fervent desire to ensure the well-being of Aboriginal children underscore her contributions as she actively works to provide care and facilitate their reintegration into their families.
This award recognises the contributions of an Aboriginal person to the welfare and wellbeing of Aboriginal families and their community. Awarded to an Aboriginal community member that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to, and positive impact on, the wellbeing of families and communities.
Rick is a dedicated advocate for his community, exemplifying steadfast commitment to men’s well-being and the advocacy of children and families. He played an instrumental role in the establishment of the Indigenous List within the Family Law Court, and soon, a similar Indigenous List will be introduced in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Rick’s proactive involvement extends to enhancing services for the Dharug community, where he is an engaged participant in the men’s shed initiative His exceptional commitment is evident in his willingness to invest substantial personal time to ensure families receive the support they need and to address inequities within the child protection system.
This award recognises an Aboriginal Practitioner’s excellence in achieving positive outcomes for Aboriginal children and young people, their families and communities.
Michele Laurie joined Ngunya Jarjum during the initial stages of the targeted Early Intervention program, Bugil Wernbe. This program focuses on delivering essential services to the socially and geographically isolated communities within the Tabulam District. Michele approaches her role with a gentle demeanour, effectively navigating complex relationships and dynamic situations during her community visits.
Her commitment to consistency, resilience, and reliability is evident as she engages with all community members with an approachable and open attitude Michele’s dedication shines through her direct in-home support for over 14
families concurrently, organising community events and activities, and facilitating challenging conversations with sensitivity and skill.
This award recognises the contribution of a non-Aboriginal agency in partnering with Aboriginal communities in service design and delivery, achieving improved outcomes for Aboriginal families and communities.
This could include a team or an organisation.
The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) is an independent not-for-profit organisation committed to fostering a more equitable society by driving policy and legal changes PIAC’s “Family Is Culture” advocacy exemplifies its alignment with Aboriginal communities and organisations to effect meaningful transformations.
PIAC has consistently allocated resources, including staff time, to facilitate the realisation of pivotal legislation This involvement spans tasks such as meeting coordination, minute-taking, expert guidance provision, as well as active participation in public advocacy alongside Aboriginal peak bodies In these roles, PIAC has exhibited unwavering dedication, regardless of task magnitude, and has consistently approached each responsibility with diligence and a spirit of generosity.
This award recognises an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation demonstrating excellence in service delivery to their community, achieving lasting positive outcomes for Aboriginal children and young people, their families and their communities.
Forty years ago, a profound commitment to enhancing the welfare of Aboriginal communities catalysed the inception of the South Coast Medical Aboriginal Service. Stemming from the resolute determination and dedication of a cadre of Aboriginal leaders, this organisation has blossomed from modest origins into a haven for healing, standing as an integral pillar of the community Central to its ethos is a profound recognition of the significance of cultural interconnectedness, serving as a guiding principle across all facets of service provision and program evolution.
This organisation’s bedrock rests upon a profound embrace of local Aboriginal culture, heritage, and history The South Coast Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation’s steadfast allegiance to the Aboriginal communities it serves remains steadfast. Their endeavours are characterised by a steadfast commitment to ensuring the holistic well-being of children, youth, Elders, and families by furnishing them with the requisite support to thrive.
This award recognises an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation demonstrating excellence in service delivery to their community, achieving lasting positive outcomes for Aboriginal children and young people, their families and their communities.
Established in 1991, the Muloobinba Aboriginal Corporation was founded with the purpose of offering essential support services to Aboriginal families and individuals across Newcastle and its adjacent Local Government Areas. Renowned for their adaptability, ingenuity, and unwavering dedication, Muloobinba’s staff consistently go the
extra mile to uplift their community.
Through a comprehensive range of services, Muloobinba guides families throughout their entire journey, fostering consistency, trust, and positive connections Their emphasis in out-of-home care lies in reuniting families, and at every juncture of a child’s path, they concentrate on facilitating and upholding cultural bonds.
Employing a holistic approach, Muloobinba collaborates with children, caregivers, and families to achieve the shared
objective of diminishing the presence of Aboriginalchildren in care by effecting secure reunifications. Embedded as a vital community entity, Muloobinba ensures that cultural values are positioned at the core of all their service
provisions, effectively aligning their actions with their commitment to their served population.
This award has been created in honour of Dana Clarke’s exceptional service and leadership in the child and family Sector, Aboriginal Community controlled sector and within her own community. It will in future be awarded to a person who embodies exceptional service to Aboriginal children, young people and families, unwavering in their commitment to provisional of excellence in service delivery. This award acknowledges those that lead by example as fierce advocates for Aboriginal people, a champion for Aboriginal voices to be heard. Through their shared wisdom, knowledge and cultural expertise. The recipient of this award is an inspiring leader who nurtures and supports emerging leaders and others.
With a distinguished career exceeding four decades spanning child and family, mental health, sexual assault counseling, and domestic and family violence service sectors, Dana’s contributions transcend expectations as she tirelessly serves her community. Holding the position of Chief Executive Officer at Burrun Dalai Aboriginal Corporation for 18 years and serving as AbSec Chairperson, Dana has played an indispensable role in catalysing systemic change, influencing policy and legislative reforms, and spearheading the development of grassroots-led solutions.
Amidst her pivotal influence within the Aboriginal child and family sector, Dana remains committed to nurturing the growth of new and emerging leaders, imparting her knowledge as a coach and mentor. A steadfast and proud Worimi Woman, Dana’s indelible impact on the sector is poised to remain invaluable and immeasurable for years to come.
Aboriginal Carer Support
Aboriginal Carer Support
Child Protection Helpline
Child Protection Helpline
AbSec would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we will meet to discuss important matters, the Mulgoa clan of the Dharug Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
AbSec acknowledges the Stolen Generations who never came home and the ongoing impact of government policy and practice on Aboriginal children, young people and families.
AbSec would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we will meet to discuss important matters, the Mulgoa clan of the Dharug Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
AbSec acknowledges the Stolen Generations who never came home and the ongoing impact of government policy and practice on Aboriginal children, young people and families.
