Queensland Government
Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services

Children and Young People Award: Jasmin Spaul, Community Worker, Far West Indigenous Family Violence Service Tracey Morris, Coordinator, Far West Indigenous Family Violence Service

The Children and Young People Award recognises an innovative and exceptional project or activity that has contributed to the prevention of domestic and family violence and enhanced the safety of children and young people between five and 18 years of age.

Winner: Far West Indigenous Family Violence Service.

For: Girls Friendship Program.

The Girls Friendship Program, based in Cunnamulla, is a social group for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women aged 11 to 17 years. In addition to providing a social outlet for the young women, the program has an educational focus and a strong emphasis on promoting healthy relationships.

The program aims to:

  • educate young women on their safety and support needs
  • build self esteem and teach participants the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships
  • let the young women know that violence is not okay and to ensure they know what they can do and who they can contact if they feel threatened or unsafe.

Healing programs, arts and crafts and guest speakers are used to address issues such as domestic and family violence and sexual assault.

The ultimate goal of the program is to help participants develop into strong young women who know what to look for in a healthy relationship, how to look out for one another and to achieve their full potential. The group leaders are women from the community who are strong, positive role models.