Children’s Week Awards 2025
CHILD AND YOUTH AWARD
Given for outstanding and consistent contributions to the needs, interests and welfare of children.
Recipients:
Banana Splitz Program (Kids are First, AnglicareSA)
Nominated by Chanchal Yadav, Children’s Worker, AnglicareSA
Citation
Presented to Banana Splitz Program for 19 years of consistently supporting 5- to 12-year-old children through family break-up and change and ensuring the children have a safe place to be heard, understood and respected while facing the challenges of parental separation. The program design is both child-centred and evidence informed and is delivered by experienced staff who understand the complexities of family change. The program runs for six weeks and follows a structured series of sessions. It runs twice each school term, in three locations and supports around 80 children annually.
Ethan Yates
Nominated by Sarah Drewett, Supervisor Food Hubs, Puddle Jumpers
Citation
Presented to Ethan Yates in recognition of his volunteering at the North Food Hub on Monday nights. He is a valued volunteer who works well in the team with others and cheerfully carries out a range of duties, no matter how menial they may be.
Charlii McKay
Nominated by Jo Swift, Student Wellbeing Leader, Christie Downs Primary School
Citation
Presented to Charlii McKay in recognition of her courage, compassion and commitment as a young leader in the Christie Downs Primary School Dream, Believe, Achieve Parliament. Through her role as dedicated Minister for Diversity she has made a profound impact on the school community by fostering inclusion, celebrating diversity and inspiring her peers to embrace differences with respect and kindness. One of her stand-out achievements was organising a week of activities for the school during Neurodiversity Week. Charlii ensured that all students were included, respected and valued.
Kaitilyn Thompson
Nominated by Kate Berlemon, Leader of Youth, Munno Para Girl Guides
Citation
Presented to Kaitilyn Thompson in recognition of her ongoing passion and commitment to the Munno Para Girl Guide Unit. She is a peer mentor for other guides and often assists younger members to feel included, valued and safe. She is always willing to represent Guides at Playford Council and other community events such as ANZAC commemorations, Australia Day celebrations and Citizenship ceremonies. As well as her contribution to Guides, she is also an active member of St John’s Cadets and assists with teaching first aid skills to younger members.
YOUTH AWARD
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:
Ariba Rizwan
Nominated by Jo Swift, Student Wellbeing Leader, Christie Downs Primary School
Citation
Presented to Ariba Rizwan in recognition of her courage, independence and determination in the face of significant challenges. She approaches each day with resilience and grace, embracing every opportunity for growth, learning and fun. She actively participates in school excursions, never allowing her disability to be a reason to miss-out. During a school excursion Ariba entered the ocean for the first time and with support from a trained instructor and encouragement from classmates and teachers, she took to the waves, joyfully balancing on a surfboard. Ariba shows that inclusion is not just about access – it is about belonging.
Xavier Pudovkin
Nominated by Mandy Clements
Citation
Presented to Xavier Pudovkin in recognition of his resilience, compassion and unwavering strength whilst coping with health issues and enduring years of gruelling treatment. Xavier experiences a range of treatments and endures setbacks which he faces with perseverance, purpose and hope. Regardless of his own situation, Xavier is a beacon of kindness and empathy, offering support and showing care for others, even while facing his own challenges. His attitude towards life is nothing short of inspirational.
ADULT AWARD
Given for outstanding and consistent contributions to the needs, interests and welfare of children.
Recipients:
Gloria Debba
Nominated by Liz Mitchell, Treasurer, OMEP (SA)
Citation
Presented to Gloria Debba in recognition of her continuing work as Community Development Coordinator at Woodville Gardens School. Through various age playgroups, Gloria supports children’s learning through play and also builds community for the multicultural families in the Woodville Gardens and Parks Centre area. Gloria leads the “100 Cups of Tea” program which includes culturally and linguistically diverse and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers who are isolated and living with, or at risk of, domestic violence, trauma, and mental health issues. Each week Gloria provides flyers about extra activities in the local area including a Dad’s Playgroup, Parenting Workshops, a Mum’s Group and Family Activities which she mostly initiates.
Pelican Productions
Nominated by Jen Frith
Citation
Presented to Pelican Productions for over 20 years of providing invaluable opportunities for children and youth to train and perform in high-calibre theatrical productions. Young people are not only empowered to shine on stage, but to grow as confident, compassionate and resilient individuals as they collaborate, create and develop lifelong skills in communication, empathy and leadership. Through volunteer and mentorship programs, Pelican Productions also encourages older participants and alumni to give back, thus fostering intergenerational learning and social bonds.
Amy Gray
Nominated by Travis Braithwaite, Assistant Principal, Keithcot Farm Primary School
Citation
Presented to Amy Gray in recognition of her leadership in the successful implementation of Time 2 Play which is a two-year pilot project designed to enhance student wellbeing, engagement and learning by providing opportunities for unstructured play. Across the Felixtow 3 School Portfolio, Amy has tailored the initiative to suit the needs of the diverse school community. She has led professional learning for staff and worked closely with teachers in classrooms, designed and facilitated systems to evaluate the impact of the project on student wellbeing, engagement and learning, engaged families and transformed the physical environment of the school by creating dedicated spaces that encourage imaginative and collaborative play.
Lauren Binns
Nominated by Carolyn Woodward, Community Development Facilitator, Uniting SA
Citation
Presented to Lauren Binns in recognition of facilitating UnitingCare Wesley Bowden, Little Kids & Books Pop Up School Holiday Sessions, an Early Literacy Program. The program focusses on modelling practical strategies to enhance parental awareness of everyday opportunities to support developmental language, cognitive and communication skills, and general knowledge. Post session feedback reported 96% of participants felt more confident about reading with their child and 100% stated they had learnt new ways of engaging with their child.
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Honourable Mention:
Emma Sordillo
Nominated by Rebecca Blunn, Community Impact Program Partner, Playgroup SA
Citation
Presented to Emma Sordillo in recognition of her enthusiasm and drive promoting Playgroup SA in her role as the Marketing and Communications Partner, and as a volunteer. Emma has been instrumental in building relationships with stakeholders and Government Departments to ensure the best outcomes for families. In a volunteer capacity she also runs Facebook Groups for Families and willingly assists with social media posts, as well as volunteering as official photographer for Children’s Week events.
PLAY AWARD
Recognises a significant contribution to the development of children’s play.
Recipient:
Evanston Gardens Library – Giggles & Wisdom Intergenerational Playgroup
Nominated by Kim Wright, Community Development Coordinator, Gawler Children’s Centre
Presented to Evanston Gardens Library – Giggles & Wisdom Intergenerational Playgroup in recognition of their innovative playgroup formation. The group consists of the Town of Gawler Evanston Library, Evanston Gardens Primary School, Gawler Children’s Centre and Playgroup SA, and provides a comfortable, safe and relaxed play space for families, young children and toddlers. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, older friends and residents from local aged care facilities are all invited and encouraged to attend the intergenerational playgroup.
Ali Fleming
Nominated by Jaimee McHugh
Citation
Presented to Ali Fleming in recognition of her commitment to children’s right to play. Ali partners with educators, families and communities to embed therapeutic play into daily life. Her approach is developmentally sound and emotionally attuned, prioritizing safety, trust and joy for children. She empowers adults to respond to play cues with curiosity and compassion rather than intervening in, or distorting, the natural play process. Through her Thrive framework Ali fosters connection, regulation and healing for children.
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Honourable Mention:
Gemma Burnley
Nominated by Jo Swift, Student Wellbeing Leader, Christie Downs Primary School
Citation
Presented to Gemma Burnley in recognition of her contribution to play in her classroom curriculum and practice. Through carefully designed play-based experiences she fosters student voice and ownership of learning while scaffolding and extending children’s thinking in developmentally appropriate ways. She embeds Indigenous perspectives throughout her curriculum and ensures that numeracy and literacy are included within everyday play and inquiry. She actively mentors colleagues, leads professional learning sessions for staff and advocates for the design of interconnected, cross curricular units of work.
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
Marlie Lapworth
Nominated by Jo Swift, Student Wellbeing Leader, Christie Downs Primary School
Citation
Presented to Marlie Lapworth in recognition of being an exemplary role model for all students at the school. Marlie is a dedicated and passionate student leader and a fierce advocate for equity, inclusion and the rights of all children. During a recent consultation at the school with the Australian Human Rights Commission, Marlie spoke with clarity and conviction addressing issues such as bullying experienced by LGBTQIA+ students. Marlie was instrumental in helping to secure a grant to create a loose-parts play space in the school and through a postcard platform has given all students a way to express their thoughts about school and life.
Emily Vora
Nominated by Mark Vigare, Teacher, East Adelaide School
Citation
Presented to Emily Vora in recognition of her empathy, initiative and leadership and the positive impact these have within the school and wider community. Her commitment to helping others was clearly demonstrated when she independently organized with the assistance of her family, a donation to the Hutt Street Centre. This inspired other peers to make similar donations to assist homeless people. She also has a commitment to the environment and demonstrated leadership skills by presenting the local council with a proposal to support the protection of wildlife. Emily links her classroom learning with real-world advocacy for the environment and people.
Honourable Mention:
Zak Appleby
Nominated by Melissa Evans, Principal, Norwood Primary School
Citation
Presented to Zak Appleby in recognition of his initiative and confidence in collaborating seamlessly with school leaders, supporting those in leadership roles and willingly stepping-in when needed. Zak is a dedicated sportsman known for his positive attitude, encouragement and unwavering commitment to his teams. He has represented the school in a range of SAPSASA sports including football, soccer and basketball. His ability to rise above challenges is a testament to his strength of character.
SECONDARY SCHOOL
Joshua Gaton
Nominated by Alex Smith, Head of Parndana Campus, Kangaroo Island Community Education
Citation
Presented to Joshua Gaton in recognition of his academic excellence and leadership within the school and community. He is a leader in the Chief Executive Student Network and a participant in the Active Citizenship Convention, guiding discussions and engaging diverse groups in solving civic issues. He serves the community through initiates such as Stronger Together where he leads efforts addressing loneliness and disconnection on Kangaroo Island. He shows empathy in connecting with people of all ages and backgrounds and makes a positive contribution to the local sporting club. His maturity, determination, humility and reliability are a positive influence on those around him.
Bella Veale
Nominated by Bruce Mules, Urumbula Leader, John Pirie Secondary School
Citation
Presented to Bella Veale in recognition of her leadership, collaboration and personal growth as a tour leader with the Urumbula Garden Program in Port Pirie. Bella has escorted many groups through the garden and shared her plant-use knowledge with government and independent groups. She is a highly praised leader within the Open Gardens SA Scheme and hosted a group from the International Mediterranean Garden Society. In 2024 she was a participant in Operation Flinders and in 2025 was invited back as a peer group mentor to support Aboriginal students from other schools. She is also a member of the local cadet unit and has been promoted to Company Commander.
Sienna Sedgemen
Nominated by Rebekah Reeves, Teacher, Hospital School SA
Citation
Presented to Sienna Sedgemen in recognition of her resilience, growth and achievement as she navigated complex health and personal challenges, while undertaking a full senior secondary workload through the Open Access College. She regularly attended her online classes from the Hospital School SA classroom, where she willingly and frequently encouraged and assisted peers to complete challenging tasks and develop perseverance to engage with education. Her ambitious goals for the future were realized when she was recently offered early admission to the Australian National University.
Honourable Mention:
Alice McMurray
Nominated by Natasha Dunn, Principal, Clare High School
Citation
Presented to Alice McMurray in recognition of her leadership and dedication to her school, and community service. Her activities include the school Agricultural Program, leadership roles, fundraising, cultural initiatives and ceremonial representation. Over the past 4 years, she has sustained a commitment to the school Agricultural Program and been an active member of the Adelaide Show Teams, working with goats, dairy heifers, steers and merino wethers. Alice also actively participated in the 2024 SA Rural Youth Ambassador Program and dedicated three weeks to volunteering in a remote village in Cambodia.
Selina McNeill
Nominated by Shenae Camilleri, Student Leadership Group Coordinator, Craigmore High School
Citation
Presented to Selina McNeill in recognition of her leadership, initiative and commitment to her peers and community. Selina contributed to planning and delivery of whole school events including RUOK? Day, Women’s Health Week, Men’s Health Week, a family night celebrating diversity, and school fundraising events. Her leadership ensured events ran smoothly and successfully, raising and donating funds to support Movember and Share the Dignity.
Leeana Wilson
Nominated by Nikola Haskell, Principal, The Grove Education Centre
Citation
Presented to Leeana Wilson in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the arts. Leeana’s work has been unveiled at the Skylight Mental Health Head Office and will be featured across various platforms, including social media, merchandise and promotional material. Resonating deeply with audiences, her work often explores themes of identity, belonging and resilience. She has also been involved in cultural activities strengthening community ties and promoting inclusivity within the school.