Last week’s Child Protection Week saw a number of community members, including Storm Drabsch and Kelli Parr, acknowledged for their dedication to helping local children.
At the annual Bundaberg Child Protection Week dinner, Storm Drabsch was announced as the major award winner, while a highly commended award went to Kelli Parr.
The awards acknowledge the significant contributions made by individuals, groups, organisations, services, or businesses who work in the child and family sector in the Bundaberg Region community.
They also recognise the efforts and dedication of the nominee to build and strengthen the community’s awareness of child protection and making it ‘everybody’s business’ during 2021 and 2022.
Winner Storm Drabsch was nominated for her role as a foundation member of Headspace Bundaberg’s Youth Engagement Committee before becoming a chairperson, while also being recognised for her work supporting young people.
She is very active in both the Bundaberg Rotaract Club and volunteers for programs including T@Y and Rotary Youth programs, such as the youth leadership awards and camp for indigenous youth.
When presented with her award, Storm Drabsch said that she was always learning from those she worked with.
“The young people teach me, and I hope that I teach them,” she said.
Kelli Parr runs pilot program at Kepnock
Highly commended Kelli Parr has been integral in recognising the need of vulnerable students at Kepnock State High School, working with Little Dreamers to improve the quality of life for young carers.
Kelli has been the key to success for this first in Queensland pilot in-school peer support program focusing on vulnerable students and delivering personal development and improvement, wellbeing, and identity
The program provides young carers with the opportunity to connect with other young carers in a safe and inclusive environment within our school community.
Kelli Parr talked about her program creating a community for young carers with support of those in the school to expand their ecosystem.
Find out more about Little Dreamers here.
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