In a year of firsts, the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak (QATSICPP) held the Inaugural Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Child Protection Awards on Thursday, 6th September at Rydges, South Bank. Listening was central to their messaging also. Listening to communities, children, young people and families who are the experts in their own lives. As the outstanding work of the past 12 months was showcased, it was evident that dividends have been paid in the overwhelmingly positive outcomes of legislative, policy and program innovation aimed at ensuring that community-controlled intervention is front and centre in Queensland. In such a short period of time, significant outcomes of children and families remaining together in culture whilst attaining wellbeing are already being noted.
The stars of screen, song and child protection all joined in unison to celebrate child protection in 
Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities. The celebratory atmosphere of the evening was evident the moment Master of Ceremonies Steven Oliver took to the podium to welcome dignitaries and guests. Steven Oliver is a writer, a poet and an actor and the star of ABC’s Black Comedy of which he is also a writer and associate producer. His fast talking, swarty poetic delivery enraptured the audience.
The Welcome to Country was delivered by Derek Oram alongside a Didgeridoo soloist and the Yerongpan Aboriginal Dancers. Derek spoke about the number of Brisbane suburbs named after the calling names of birds. He also stated the importance of the stories of the stars noted through the dancers. In highlghting the importance of maintaining culture he noted that Indigenous people all over the world are the key to looking after Mother Earth: Spiritual identity and pride in who they are is important to children and young people” he said.
Joel Wiggins, Brisbane based singer who won national acclaim with his rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water on the Voice Australia this year was the celebrated entertainer at this event. Joel joined Team Boy George on The Voice Australia and continued to wow audiences, just as he did during this Inaugural event. 27-year-old Joel is the middle child of 7 children. A Gunai Kurnai man from South East Victoria, raised by his Maternal grandparents, Joel moved to Brisbane to be with family following his Dad’s cancer diagnosis. He said that he sang Bridge Over Trouble Water on The Voice for his Dad. Joel ensured that all present were on the dancefloor enjoying his soulful voice.
Healing was a central theme of these Inaugural Awards. The importance of healing that comes from being heard, having a voice, having personal agency, being acknowledged, respected and treated with dignity. Aunty Rachel Atkinson as QATSICPP’s Chairperson acknowledged her respect for all Elders in her opening address. She also acknowledged the Queensland government for their commitment to showcasing and celebrating the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service providers. “The Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals and services across 5 categories. I’d like to congratulate all nominees and recognise the fantastic work of all Aboriginal and Torres Strat Islander child protection community-controlled organisations across the state. They are committed to the dignity and rights of each of our children. I’m proud to be part of such an incredible sector.” Aunty Rachel acknowledged the tireless efforts of QATSICPP’s CEO Natalie Lewis and the staff of QATSICPP who have come on this incredible journey with the board. She acknowledged all of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders in the sector and wider community. “Due to such leadership and coming together, we can reinvigorate our sector to such a high calibre”, she said. Aunty Rachel said she was delighted to give the first Award of the evening for Cultural Leadership Practice.
Aunty Rachel presented the Cultural Leadership Award to Jody Currie, CEO of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service, Brisbane Ltd. Jody was noted as being one of the many strong voices in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sector. Jody thanked the QATSICPP board and everyone. She noted that many people struggle at times and need to find a way forward. She acknowledged the strength of all her colleagues including Aunty Rachel and said it is so important to have ownership of the work involved in Aboriginal and Torres strait Islander child protection. She noted the NAIDOC week campaign – because of her, we can and said her culture is one of resilience.
Dr Gerald Featherstone then named the Practice Excellence Award recipient as Glen Hussey. The Practice Excellence Awards are important for ensuring the voices of children and young people are heard and that we all work to achieve their rights. Nominees for this Award continue to raise the bar. Glen Hussey said he was thrilled to receive this Award and he’d been doing this work for a long time: “onwards and upwards” he said.
Gail Wason presented the Innovation within the Sector Award to The Early Indigenous Response Collective Team from REFOCUS and Maroochydore Child Safety Service Centre. The hard work and partnership of the Department of Child Safety led by Juliann Cork and Darcy Cavanagh’s team at REFOCUS was acknowledged. Their capacity to have respectful and difficult conversations was noted alongside their outcomes through this program in keeping families out of the statutory child protection system. The outcomes have been outstanding.
Billy Gorham then announced the Youth Advocacy Award. This was awarded to Saliman Bin Juda of Mura Kosker Sorority Incorporated for consistently raising the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people and for guiding them to be the authors of their own stories.
With the Sector Awards complete, the Family Award nominees were named. These Awards were given in recognition of those growing up safe, strong and connected children:
- Noel and Jenny Cannon – Nominated by Palm Island Community Company
- Lyla Oakley – Nominated by Mulunga Aboriginal Corporation Primary Health Care Service
- Roberta Werribone – Nominated by Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement Company Ltd
These Family Awards were presented by Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women, Honourable Di Farmer. Minister Farmer said that she was delighted to be part of this fabulous Inaugural event with over 300 people in attendance. She said there was such a great feeling in the room with all of us on this journey wanting to make a difference. She spoke about the importance of remembering that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people come from a position of strength as Aunty Rachel stated: “Thank you for working with our Department and myself and reminding us this is your strength and way forward. The majority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are loved and strong in their community. That is the strength. For too long government has focused on family dysfunction instead of dysfunction in our systems. Hearing these stories, I could cry. I love that you are so uncompromising about what you need to do. The government is a big beast and we have great will but I thank you all for teaching us and being patient with us whilst also seeing the progress we are making together.”
The formalities closed with MC Steven Oliver delivering his beautiful original poem about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.