News & Events
Celebrating our staff at the QATSICPP Awards
This year, the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Protection Peak (QATSICPP) hosted its annual members conference and awards night, recognising excellence across the sector.
Our Community Services and Health and Aged Care teams were proud to receive nominations across five categories, with three of our outstanding staff members taking home awards on the night.
Blak Excellence Award
Winner: Dylan Nelson, General Manager for New Business and Development
Dylan was awarded the prestigious Blak Excellence award, which celebrates an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community-controlled worker who lives, breathes, and leads with culture every day. Dylan’s unwavering commitment to reducing the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in statutory systems and his dedication to upholding voice, choice, and family-led principles exemplify the 2024 NAIDOC theme: Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud.
Also nominated: Aiaga Lee, Family Participation Program Empowerment Practitioner
Youth Advocacy Award
Winner: Treavon Drahm, Youth Services Specialist
Treavon was recognised in the Youth Advocacy category, an award that honours those who champion the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, ensuring they are heard in decisions that affect their lives. Through his strong advocacy, Treavon works to reduce stigma and shame while empowering youth to take pride in their identity and culture. His creative approach to program design strengthens connections to kin, community, and culture.
Also nominated: Jessica Evans, Vulnerable Youth Specialist (Youth Advocacy)
Also nominated: Shantel Blow, Jajumbora Children and Family Centre Manager (Cultural Leadership)
Practice Excellence Award
Winner: Yarraga Weatherall, Nyanya Munjindei Brisbane Manager
Yarraga was honoured with the Practice Excellence award for her outstanding service to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, and families. Working within a strong cultural practice framework, she implements the QATSICPP Practice Standards and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle, ensuring families are supported in identifying their own solutions. Yarraga’s work is a testament to the power of strong relationships in creating positive change.
Also nominated: Renae Jones, Nyanya Munjindei Logan Manager
Innovation Within the Sector
Our Nyanya Munjindei Delegated Authority service and Oral Health Therapist Michelle Ashwell were also nominated in the Innovation Within the Sector category, recognising their dedication to advancing new approaches that strengthen outcomes for our communities.
A huge congratulations to all our winners and nominees! Your dedication and leadership continue to make a profound impact on the lives of our community, children, young people, and families.
