Winners for the 2026 VPCA were announced at the 23rd annual award ceremony held on Thursday 3 September in the lead up to Child Protection Week.
Congratulations to the remarkable winners across 12 categories! They are being recognised for helping ensure children, young people and families are safe, supported and thriving. Examples of their inspirational commitment and achievements include:
- leading initiatives that improve outcomes for children, young people and families
- supporting young people to engage in education, training and employment
- providing safe and stable care to children and young people
- empowering Aboriginal self-determination and cultural safety
- creating conditions for young people to speak and know their voice can have an impact.
Congratulations to all finalists and nominees
Well done to all the finalists and nominees. It is a fantastic achievement to be nominated for these prestigious awards.
Finalists were announced in August for incredible commitment and achievements, including:
- leadership in research, policy, and advocacy
- advocating for children and young people across sectors, including family violence
- delivering support programs and responding to crises
- leading policy design and legislative drafting processes
- facilitating connection to culture and community.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination. Nominating shines a light on these remarkable people and teams.
Who could be nominated
Anyone could nominate people working across:
- the child and family services sector
- child protection
- government
- academic organisations.
People could also nominate:
- foster carers
- kinship carers
- permanent carers
- volunteers
- community members.
Read the incredible stories of each winner: Victorian Protecting Children Awards webpage.