Nhulunbuy Foster and Kinship Carer Excellence Award Winners Announced

Territory Families

The Nhulunbuy regionwinners of the Foster and Kinship Carer Excellence Awards were announced today.

The Foster andKinship Carer Excellence Awards recognise and celebrate the dedication,commitment and achievements of foster and kinship carers, staff and youngpeople that have experienced out-of-home care and the enormous contributionthey make to the lives of vulnerable children in every community across theNorthern Territory.

This yearstheme focuses on the Rock Star efforts made by fosters carers, kinship carers,social workers and cases mangers to support children and young people in need.

TerritoryFamilies Chief Executive Officer Ken Davies said the awards provided theopportunity to celebrate the achievements of our valuable carers and thecommunity of people who support children in out-of-home care, as well as havingan event for the young people, which is fun, engaging, inspiring andmotivational.

Theseawards are for the children thriving in the care of a loving family, thesiblings who go the extra mile to make them feel welcome in their home and thesupport staff who believe that going above and beyond is a part of their job,he said.

This year we received more than 100 nominations fromacross the Territory highlighting the important role of foster and kinshipcarers, staff and young people to support children in care to feel safe, secureand supported.

TheAward categories are:

Outstanding Contribution by a FosterCarer – Jamie-Lee andShawn Gordon

Outstanding Contribution by a KinshipCarer – Brian Gambley, Nirrinu Belinda GanydjulminyDhamarrandji, Jackie Guyula and Sonya Nelson, Anne Wunungmurra and ImeldaDhamarrandji

Outstanding Commitment by a TerritoryFamilies Staff Member – Deborah MacEwan

Outstanding Contribution by a Sibling- Name withheld for privacy

Young Person Achievement Award – Name withheld for privacy.

I would liketo congratulate all the winners for their outstanding achievement and thankthem for their dedication and commitment to support children and young peoplein care and for the work they do in strengthening our communities, Mr Daviessaid.

Regional events are being held in Nhulunbuy on 21September, Tennant Creek and Darwin on 24 September, Katherine and AliceSprings on 25 September and Wadeye on 1 October 2019.

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