Children’s Week Awards 2022
SPECIAL CHILDREN’S WEEK AWARD
In recognition of a young person who shows courage, strength, perseverance and a cheerful attitude in the face of adversity.
Recipients:
Kaye Harrison
Nominated by Tanya Rowe, Community Support Coordinator, Carer and Community Support College
Citation
Presented to Kaye Harrison in recognition of her strength, courage and resilience in providing extensive support to her mother and two younger sisters who face numerous health and disability challenges. Kaye does not let her own health and learning challenges deter her from keeping an eye on both her sisters and assisting with daily household, mealtime and bedtime routines.
Kane Schneider
Nominated by Staff and Leaders of Keithcot Farm Primary School
Citation
Presented to Kane Schneider in recognition of his positive and persistent attitude towards learning whilst coping with several health and disability challenges. In addition he is a collaborative and respectful school member who openly demonstrates the school’s values while supporting younger students and also volunteering his assistance in caring for the wider school environment.
CHILD AND YOUTH AWARDS
Given for outstanding and consistent contributions to the needs, interests and welfare of children.
Recipients:
Dusty Feet Mob
Nominated by Liz Mitchell, Treasurer, OMEP Australia, South Australian Chapter
Citation
Presented to Dusty Feet Mob in recognition of their storytelling through dance and songs and their celebration and sharing of Aboriginal identity, culture and connection to country at a wide range of social, cultural, educational, community and government events. Their performance allows and encourages both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to grow together in acceptance, understanding and empathy whilst also assisting the young performers to build pride, confidence, strength and dignity.
Asher Mellor
Nominated by Nadine Schofield, Teacher, East Adelaide School
Citation
Presented to Asher Mellor, in recognition of his promotion, fundraising, and personal contribution of his hair which he grew over three years, to Wigs 4 Kids, who manufacture Australian made wigs especially for children with cancer. Asher created an online fundraising page and promoted his endeavour throughout the school, culminating in a donation of over $2,000 to Wigs 4 Kids.
Nomiki Thomas
Nominated by Les Dennis, Club Service Director, Rotary Club of Regency Park
Citation
Presented to Nomiki Thomas in recognition of her researching, writing and publishing a story book titled Goodbye, by the age of 12 years. Nomiki has also been guest speaker at a range of public functions and donated part of the proceeds from her book sales to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, in an endeavour to raise funds for it and create awareness about the organisation.
ADULT AWARD
Given for outstanding and consistent contributions to the needs, interests and welfare of children.
Recipients:
Inclusive Basketball Port Augusta, Emily Holden
Nominated by Roz Hartley, Communities for Children, Uniting Country SA
Citation
Presented to Inclusive Basketball Port Augusta, Emily Holden in recognition of providing a modified basketball program which provides an opportunity for school students who for any reason such as physical or intellectual disability, learning difficulties or additional needs, are not able to participate in association basketball games. The program focusses on providing opportunities for participants to join a community-based group where a healthy and active lifestyle is promoted as well as providing an opportunity for children to build self-esteem and develop social and leadership skills.
Josaphine Saint
Nominated by Lindsay Indge, Littlehampton
Citation
Presented to Josaphine Saint in recognition of her significant contribution to children and families through a wide range of volunteer roles over an extended period of time. These include more than fifty years as an active Girl Guide leader; running a fortnightly craft club at the library, and on a weekly basis listening to children read at the local junior primary school. She also teaches school swimming, vacation swimming and individual lessons to babies, children and adults all year round.
Diana Sully
Nominated by Amy Burlik, Coordinator, Riverland Special School
Citation
Presented to Diana Sully in recognition of her success in establishing and running a Special Girl Guide Unit at the Riverland Special School. For the past 17 years the program has run on a weekly basis during school lunch time and provides opportunities for Riverland Special School students to attend and earn the Girl Guide badges. The inclusion of Special Girl Guides in the Riverland and wider community has broken down barriers between people with disabilities and the community.
With Love Formal Wear
Nominated by Sonia Regan, Board Secretary, Ferryden Park
Citation
Presented to With Love Formal Wear in recognition of the service they deliver in providing formal wear and accessories at no cost to young people across South Australia who are experiencing hardship. The organization provides a supportive, inclusive service for young people from a range of diverse backgrounds, including culture, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability and socio-economic disadvantage.
PLAY AWARD
Recognises a significant contribution to the development of children’s play.
Recipient:
Christie Downs Community House; Participate and Learn Skills Program (PALS)
Nominated by Allison Emerson, Community Development Officer, Christie Downs Community House
Citation
Presented to the Christie Downs Community House in recognition of the contribution the PALS program makes in reconnecting primary school aged children who experience challenges to social connection and acceptance, to an understanding of acceptable social norms. This is achieved through play with each play activity in the program having an underlying focus such as sharing, respecting property, leadership and conflict resolution, as well as how to play successfully with others.
Honourable Mentions: PLAY AWARD
Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden, Children’s Garden
Nominated by Roz Hartley, Communities for Children, Uniting Country SA
Citation
Presented to the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden (AALBG), Children’s Garden, in recognition of the planning and development of a free, outdoor, themed nature play space where children can engage with real experiences and learn about local flora and fauna. The project was keenly supported financially and with hundreds of volunteer hours, by the Friends of the AALBG as well as its corporate sponsors and members.
Hackham West Children’s Centre
Nominated by Belinda Pollard, Community Development Coordinator, Department of Human Services
Citation
Presented to the Hackham West Children’s Centre in recognition of leading four play-street events to build social connection, improve physical health, feelings of belonging and mental health. Each event was conducted in partnership with the City of Onkaparinga and Play Australia in a quiet residential street where neighbours of all ages could connect and play together. Staff from local services also attended each event and connected with children, families and residents.
Minister for Education Awards
These awards are offered as part of the Children’s Week celebration for children who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in any endeavor including academic, community service, sport, arts and personal challenge.
PRIMARY SCHOOL
Restorative Bench Student Committee; Elisa Groves, Ava Orlowski, Emily Pope. Woodville Primary School
Nominated by Kathryn Blazewics, Pastoral Care Worker, Woodville Primary School
Citation
Presented to the Restorative Bench Student Committee members in recognition of their initiative and foresight in having an outdoor restorative bench installed at Woodville Primary School. The bench has the five restorative questions written on plaques and attached to the bench top as well as a QR code. With staff assistance, the committee applied for and was successful in attaining a Department for Education grant to defray costs.
Payton Richardson
Nominated by Kellie Anderson, Principal, Consultant, Dernancourt School
Citation
Presented to Payton Richardson in recognition of his volunteer work in supporting homeless and vulnerable people. Payton volunteers at Café Outside the Square, during weekends and school holidays by supporting the chef in the café kitchen as well as the team in the Soup Kitchen. He raised $682.00 for the Soup Kitchen by cutting and colouring his hair “café green”, and has also coordinated another fund raising activity at the school.
Honourable Mentions
Bailey Jones
Nominated by Tracey Ward, Junior School Leader, Oakbank School
Citation
Presented to Bailey Jones in recognition of his leadership, mentoring and participation in extra-curricular activities. As well as maintaining a high academic level, Bailey has been a lead contributor to the Children’s University Program, hosted the Science Day assembly, contributed to the instrumental music program and excelled in a wide range of sports including karate, football, tennis and cricket. He was also the 2021 SAPSASA Under-10 Boys State Shot Put Champion and the SAPSASA Under-11 Boys State Shot Put Champion.
Hudson Rench
Nominated by Karen Saxby, Library Services Coordinator, St John’s Grammar School, Belair
Citation
Presented to Hudson Rench in recognition of his leadership, knowledge and dedication to the School TV programs. Hudson is always willing to support his peers with technology; and his expertise in filming, interviews, drone and stop motion, is frequently called upon by school leadership.
SECONDARY SCHOOL
Melody Baldock
Nominated by Carina Nicholson, Band 1 Leader: Arts/Student Leadership, Berri Regional Secondary College
Citation
Presented to Melody Baldock in recognition of her participation in school life. Melody is chairperson of the Berri Regional Secondary College Student Leadership Council, a Peer Support mentor, House Captain, a member of the Library Planning Committee and an active member of the Wellbeing Action Team. She is also a member of the inaugural SA SRC, a state-wide student representative body. In 2021 Melody led a team of students to victory at the Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA) Riverland Drone Challenge, where students were immersed in the emerging innovative technologies being used in the Agricultural Industry.
Sharifullah Sharifullah (Habibi)
Nominated by Kristen Masters, Principal, Salisbury East High School
Citation
Presented to Sharif Habibi in recognition of his leadership within the school and wider community. Leadership includes YMCA Youth Parliament, as presiding officer in 2021 and government whip in 2022; Child Wise Youth Advisory Group; Youth Environment Council of South Australia; Salisbury Youth Council. He is also a School Captain and an active mentor. Youth work includes supporting mental health and homelessness and environmental issues. Sharif won the 2022 Steadfast Young Leadership Landcare Award (South Australia) and was a national finalist. He was also awarded the 2022 Australia Day Salisbury Council Mayor Commendation Award.
Honourable Mention
Brodie Mattin Oceanview College
Nominated by Tania Marshall-Bates, Program Coordinator, The Smith Family
Citation
Presented to Brodie Mattin in recognition of his voluntary participation in a range of The Smith Family programs which have assisted to guide, shape and support his current and future educational aspirations. Programs include mathematics and literacy enhancement, successful transition to secondary school and a work inspiration career pathway program. Brodie is also participating in a coxswain course which will qualify him to command and operate the engines of a vessel less than 12 metres long.
Lani Pollard Aberfoyle Park High School
Nominated by Ashley Crow, Program Coordinator, The Smith Family
Citation
Presented to Lani Pollard in recognition of her leadership within the school and wider community. Lani has volunteered as a support person in The Smith Family Passports to Success school transition program, participated in the University of Adelaide Inspiring Women in STEM program and is a member of the Onkaparinga Youth Committee. She also has a strong interest in climate change and has written to the local MP and spoken at school assemblies encouraging people to take action.