A Decade of Impact – Lisa marks 10 years at OzChild
To mark 10 years at OzChild, Dr Lisa J. Griffiths shares the highlights from her journey so far as Chief Executive Officer. In 2024, Lisa Griffiths celebrates a decade as…
OzChild congratulates foster carers after well-deserved recognition at the Victorian Protecting Children Awards overnight
The 2019 Victorian Protecting Children Award winners were announced last night, recognising dedicated teams and individuals working within government and community services who make protecting children their business every day.
OzChild foster carers, Nicole and Ross Mackay were recognised for their tireless dedication to providing care for more than 27 children since 2009. In addition, Emma Stirling and Anthony Denahy were awarded the Minister’s Award for Innovation for the CaringLife platform they developed which provides a platform for children in foster care to keep memories like photos, videos, school reports, artwork and much more, ensuring special moments are captured when more often than not these things are lost when a young person moves through different placements.
“I was delighted to see Nicole and Ross awarded the carer award, their dedication and commitment to the children in their care is second to none. Not only have they cared for 27 children since becoming foster carers in 2009, Nicole and Ross are passionate about ensuring the children in their care remain connected to their culture, community and extended family,” says OzChild Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa J. Griffiths.
Nicole and Ross are also passionate about maintaining strong relationships with local elders to ensure the siblings in their care have a strong sense of belonging and connection and have been asked to contribute to the planning of carer forums to help strengthen the foster care sector.
“Last night was a double celebration, not only were we proud to see Nicole and Ross receive the carer award – Emma and Anthony winning the Minister’s Award for Innovation was the icing on the cake,” adds Dr Griffiths.
“Emma and Anthony realised, while caring for their two foster children, that children in out-of-home care often don’t carry with them photos, or mementos from their lives. Sadly, the keepsakes we all take for granted from our childhood are lost when children are placed in care. The CaringLife online platform is a creative, fun and easy way for children and carers to ensure these moments are captured. I applaud Emma and Anthony for their forward thinking, this will absolutely have a positive impact on children in care.”
Sign up to the OzChild mailing list
Stay up to date with the latest news and events.
Choose your region
Select your region to create an enhanced and personal experience.
Acknowledgement of Country
OzChild acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work. We acknowledge their cultures are living ones, which relate to their ongoing connection to all things living and non-living on land, sea and sky.
We pay our respect to Elders past and present.
May the children of today lead us to a brighter tomorrow.
This will close in 0 seconds