Department of Families Fairness and Housing Victoria

In September each year, communities come together to celebrate National Child Protection Week. This year, National Child Protection week runs from Sunday 7 September until Saturday 13 September.

The 2025 theme set by the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) is: Every conversation matters: shifting conversation to action.

This theme recognises the importance of turning conversation into meaningful action to keep children and young people safe. This builds on the ongoing message that: Every child in every community needs a fair go.

Children matter in Victoria

Children matter in Victoria. We work to improve equity, access and outcomes for Victorian children, young people, families and carers.

Child Protection Week is a chance to recognise those working in child protection, the child and family services sector and community who help to make sure children and young people are safe, supported and thriving.

(middle) Winner of the Robin Clark Leadership Award, Dr Trish McCluskey, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and colleagues after the ceremony event.

Zee Pepper, Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency on stage accepting the Walda Blow Aboriginal Children and Young People Award.

Audience members enjoying the awards ceremony.

Rana Hussain, the Master of Ceremonies for the event, speaking on stage.

Dr Trish McCluskey, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, on stage accepting the Robin Clark Leadership Award.

Members of the Project REAL team, Banksia Gardens Community Services who won the Engaging Kids in School Award, on stage with Peta McCammon, Secretary of the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.

(L-R) Aunty Muriel Bamblett, CEO, Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency; Meena Singh, Acting Principal Commissioner and Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People; Deb Tsorbaris, CEO Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare.

Bronwyn Pike AM, Uniting Vic.Tas the winner of the Leaving a Legacy Award on stage with Deb Tsorbaris, CEO of the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare.

Bronwyn Pike AM, Uniting Vic.Tas the winner of the Leaving a Legacy Award on stage with Deb Tsorbaris, CEO of the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare as the audience applauds.

Video transcript

Recognising excellence

Inspirational efforts and remarkable achievements have been honoured through the prestigious 2025 Victorian Protecting Children Awards (VPCA).

The 22nd annual awards ceremony was held on Tuesday 2 September 2025 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

There were 12 award categories to honour individuals, teams and groups for their demonstrated excellence in working with children, young people and families.

Some of the work recognised includes:

working with families to keep at-risk children and young people safe
empowering Aboriginal self-determination and cultural safety
delivering critical support programs
engaging young people with education
community champions who support strong connections and provide caring homes

This year was the fourth year in a row the VPCA received a record number of nominations, with 178 quality submissions.

These efforts across the state have a meaningful impact on the lives of children, young people and families in Victoria.

A special thanks to the teams across the department, award partners and sector who worked behind the scenes to manage the awards program and bring the celebrations to life.