- Victoria’s peak body for child and family services has recognised ethical and respectful journalism on issues affecting children, young people and families experiencing vulnerability.
- As part of the Centre’s first annual media awards, four awards have been presented on news stories covering topics including family violence, disability and out-of-home care.
Excellence in reporting on issues affecting children and families has been recognised by the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare (the Centre), with four awards announced today at the Centre’s annual general meeting.
The Centre’s inaugural Media Awards celebrate the efforts of Victorian journalists across print, TV, radio and digital who have sought to elevate the voices of children, young people and families experiencing vulnerability.
The winners were selected by a panel consisting of Centre CEO Deb Tsorbaris; Centre Board Chair Paul McDonald; a representative from the office of Minister for Child Protection and Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, Luke Donnellan; a family worker; and a young person with a lived experience of out-of-home care.
The winners recognised are:
- Best story about children: Matilda Marozzi, ABC Radio Melbourne, ’Child victim of domestic violence breaks his silence, describing horrors of his abusive stepfather’
- Best story about young people : Daniel Miles, ABC South West Victoria, ‘Victorians with disabilities speak of ‘lifetime lockdown’ due to inaccessible public transport’
- Best story about families: Vivienne Jones, The Border Mail, ‘Alicia Little’s family call for national domestic violence register’. Highly commended: Daniel Miles, ABC South West Victoria, ‘Warrnambool family facing deportation over kidney disease saved by ministerial intervention’
- Best story about children or young people in out-of-home care : Sarah Marinos, Herald Sun, ‘Forget partying, meet the 20-somethings opening their homes to fostering’
The winners were selected from a shortlist for each category, which included impressive stories from The Guardian, The Age, SBS and rural and regional publications.
The panellists agreed the winning stories all engaged with and represented children, young people and families in a dignified and respectful way. They also noted the journalists’ efforts to make issues facing individuals and families experiencing hardship relevant and accessible for their audiences.
Centre CEO Deb Tsorbaris applauded the winners for their reporting.
“These journalists have covered a diverse range of topics and issues, but have all reported in an ethical and respectful way,” Ms Tsorbaris said.
Centre Board Chair and judging panellist Paul McDonald said the winning stories all advocate for children to be safe, happy and connected, and to have access to support when they need it, which is the Centre’s vision.
“These stories demonstrate the role that the media can play in championing the rights and dignity of Victorian children, young people and families,” Mr McDonald said.
See the full list of finalists.
Media contact
Christie Long, 0403 053 584 or christie.long@cfecfw.asn.au
