Celebrating our award-winning child protection champions

This Queensland Child Protection Week, we are proud to celebrate two outstanding Queensland Child Protection Week Awards’ winners whose commitment, compassion and determination are making a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people across Queensland. 

From a foster care couple who have devoted nearly three decades to providing safe and loving homes, to a Churches of Christ regional team ensuring children in some of Queensland's most remote communities remain connected to family, culture and community, these winners embody the very best of child protection. 

Volunteer Award winners Helen and Kevin Woods from Maryborough have been opening their hearts and home to children since 1997, providing stability, safety and unwavering support to some of the most vulnerable young people in their community. Their remarkable commitment has touched the lives of many children and families, creating a legacy that extends far beyond their role as foster carers.

Over nearly 30 years, Helen and Kevin have cared for more than 15 children through respite and long-term placements. Among their many achievements, they were granted long-term guardianship of three siblings with intellectual impairments and significant early life trauma. Today, those children are adults, and Helen and Kevin continue to play a central role in their lives, providing guidance, encouragement and ongoing support. 

Their impact extends well beyond the children who have lived in their home. Over the years, their family has grown to include former foster children and even grandchildren, reflecting the lifelong relationships they have nurtured. Their care has never been limited to providing a place to stay. Instead, Helen and Kevin have created a sense of belonging, helping children feel loved, valued and connected long after they leave their care. 

"I think you get more out of it than you put into it" - Kevin Wood

“I think you get more out of it than you put into it. You see the kids grow and see them accomplish what they can accomplish,” Kevin said during his award acceptance speech.

Known as quiet achievers, Helen and Kevin have consistently placed the needs of children ahead of their own. In 2013, they welcomed a young boy whose experiences of trauma and abuse had resulted in multiple placement breakdowns. Working alongside Child Safety, education providers, health professionals and specialist services, they provided the stable and therapeutic environment he needed to feel safe and begin healing. Their patience, empathy and dedication helped create opportunities for positive change in a young life that had experienced significant adversity. 

Even after planning their retirement, Helen and Kevin continued to answer the call when children needed them. In 2024, they stepped in to care for two young girls with significant trauma-related behaviours. When a subsequent kinship placement broke down, they welcomed the girls back into their home without hesitation, once again providing the security, consistency and love every child deserves. 

The Regional Program Award was presented to Churches of Christ’s Foster and Kinship Care Cape York & Cairns team, whose innovative and community-led approach is improving outcomes for children, young people, carers and families across some of Queensland's most geographically remote regions. 

L-R: Tina, Karen, Kylie, and Justin, Far North Qld team.

Working across Cape York and Far North Queensland, the team is committed to ensuring children and families receive equitable access to support, regardless of location. Through strong partnerships, active listening and genuine collaboration, they advocate for children, empower carers and continually adapt their services to overcome the challenges of distance and isolation.  

"We feel an enormous privilege that we're able to do this." - Karen Milne

Service Manager, Karen Milne, said the team was truly humbled to receive the award. 

“It is a unique and the most extraordinary part of the world to be working in and it takes such a unique group of people to do this work. We feel an enormous privilege that we're able to do this and to ensure child protection is a priority,” Karen said during her acceptance speech.

One of the team's most significant achievements has been the development of a strong and growing kinship care network. Today, 91 per cent of children supported by the program are placed in kinship care, allowing them to remain connected to familiar people, places and support networks. Most of these children identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, making cultural connection and community ties a critical part of their care and wellbeing. 

The team works closely with Child Safety, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, local service providers and community members to ensure children remain connected to family, Country and culture. Their culturally responsive approach supports placement stability while strengthening children's sense of identity and belonging. 

“Our ultimate goal and our belief system guides us each day to ensure every child feels a sense of home. Home is not a placement, home is not a house or a building, it is a sense of being,” Karen said.

Through flexible and innovative service delivery, the team responds to the unique needs of remote communities by identifying and supporting carers, coordinating practical resources and helping young people transition safely from residential care into family-based placements. Their work demonstrates how adaptability, collaboration and community partnerships can transform outcomes for children and families, regardless of geography. 

While their contributions look different, both award winners share a common purpose: ensuring children and young people feel safe, supported, connected and valued. 

For Helen and Kevin, that means opening their home and building lifelong relationships founded on trust, care and commitment. For the Cape York and Cairns Foster and Kinship Care team, it means creating opportunities for children to remain connected to family, culture and community, no matter how remote their location. 

Together, they demonstrate the extraordinary impact individuals and teams can have when they put children at the centre of everything they do. Their dedication is helping to create brighter futures, stronger families and more connected communities across Queensland.