Due recognition for child safety programs

It was a pleasure to attend the 2015 Constable Care Child Safety Awards on Saturday evening.

There was a high calibre of award nominees from individuals and organisations around Western Australia who are working to protect children and young people from harm.

I presented the WA Child Safety Corporate Partnership Award to RAC, in partnership with WA Police, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, Royal Perth Hospital and St John Ambulance, for their ‘bstreetsmart’ educational event aimed at reducing the fatality and injury rates of young people by promoting safer driving behaviours.

Ms Kristee Jolly from the Shire of Toodyay won the Constable Care Child Safety Award of the Year for her efforts to make Toodyay a lively, engaging place for local young people.

Kristee developed the Toodyay Youth Advisory Council and the Toodyay Inclusion Holiday program that connects children to participate in local sporting and recreational activities.

Other winners included foster carer Elizabeth Grixti of Albany for her work to teach protective behaviours in her local school, Senior Constable Tam McKeown from Mandurah who founded the Being Seen, Being Safe school road safety project, the Strong Tomorrow program by Save The Children, the Department for Child Protection and Family Support with WA Police for the Youth At Risk Strategy and St John Ambulance for their First Aid Club.

I commend all of the finalists and winners of these awards. These initiatives showcase what is achievable when there is a shared commitment to supporting the healthy development of our children and young people, which is so crucial to the future prosperity of our State.

Jenni Perkins
Acting Commissioner for Children and Young People