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

The Foster and Kinship Carer Excellence Awards recognise and celebrate the dedication, commitment and achievements of foster and kinship carers, staff and young people that have experienced out-of-home care and the enormous contribution they make to the lives of vulnerable children in every community across the Northern Territory.

This year’s theme 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.

Territory Families Chief Executive Officer Ken Davies said the awards provided the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our valuable carers and the community of people who support children in out-of-home care, as well as having an event for the young people, which is fun, engaging, inspiring and motivational.

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

“This year we received more than 100 nominations from across the Territory highlighting the important role of foster and kinship carers, staff and young people to support children in care to feel safe, secure and supported.”

The Award categories are:

Outstanding Contribution by a Foster Carer - Jamie-Lee and Shawn Gordon

Outstanding Contribution by a Kinship Carer - Brian Gambley, Nirrinu Belinda Ganydjulminy Dhamarrandji, Jackie Guyula and Sonya Nelson, Anne Wunungmurra and Imelda Dhamarrandji

Outstanding Commitment by a Territory Families Staff Member - Deborah MacEwan

Outstanding Contribution by a Sibling - Name withheld for privacy

Young Person Achievement Award - Name withheld for privacy.

“I would like to congratulate all the winners for their outstanding achievement and thank them for their dedication and commitment to support children and young people in care and for the work they do in strengthening our communities,” Mr Davies said. 

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

Territory Families media contact:

Amy Sloan
08 8999 5082
0447 863 571