Fearless advocate for Aboriginal children receives award for excellence

15 November 2023

The people who keep our most vulnerable children safe have been recognised for their work at the Department of Communities and Justice’s (DCJ) Practice Conference.

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington attended the conference to show her support for the tireless work of child protection and out-of-home care caseworkers.

Minister Washington presented awards to caseworkers who excelled in their field.

Manager Client Services Josephine Hughes was presented with the Minister’s Award for Excellence in Practice Leadership for her dedication in advocating for the best interests of Aboriginal children and keeping them at the heart of every decision.

Josephine is known for her compassion and ability to build strong partnerships with Aboriginal communities and for recognising the power of culture in creating safety and belonging for Aboriginal children in care.

The annual conference brings together child protection practitioners from 14-15 November in Parramatta. Under the conference theme of ‘Better Decisions for Children’, caseworkers explored how to work with parents to improve safety for their children and support children in care to reach their full potential.

Other award recipients include:

• Excellence in Practice – Leanne Smith, Caseworker, Mid North Coast, Northern NSW & New England
• Inspiring Aboriginal Practice – Mafi Vili, Aboriginal Caseworker, Murrumbidgee, Far West & Western NSW
• Mary Dimech Award for Multicultural Practice – Victoria Crawford, Manager Casework, Sydney, South Eastern & Northern Sydney
• Purposeful Partnerships – Shelley Whitehorn, Senior Caseworker, Murrumbidgee, & Western NSW

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington said:

“Caseworkers offer invaluable support to at-risk children and families, work that is often extremely complex and incredibly challenging.”

“From Bondi to Broken Hill, our caseworkers are making a difference to the lives of children and young people, every single day.”

“I commend Josephine, the winners and the finalists, alongside all child protection staff across the state, for keeping children safe and families together.”

“Staff with strong and positive connections to community are highly valued within in the DCJ workforce and I’m grateful for all the amazing work they do.”

Manager Client Services Josephine Hughes said:

“I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead, support, build and influence the practice of child protection caseworkers who are working with families within my own community.

“We are committed to working alongside Aboriginal families and communities to ensure Aboriginal children and young people remain connected to their family, kin, communities and land and grow up to be strong and proud.”