Today, we wanted to highlight the amazing work of Gillian Wright, who was announced the South Australian winner , of the 2022 CREATE Caseworkers Awards, held at CREATE ‘s national Voices in Action Conference yesterday (27 April).

Salisbury Office Senior Practitioner Gillian, who has worked for the department for 18 years, was nominated for always being available and ensuring children and young people are supported to have everything they needed.

Gillian has demonstrated this through ensuring the voices of children and young people are front and centre in everything she, and her colleagues, do.

“For me, I believe the child protection system needs to be one that listens and empowers children and young people to have their voices heard – we must not only be a voice for young people in care, but also encourage young people to use their voice,” Gillian said.

Held for the first time, the awards recognise excellence in casework for children and young people with a care experience and are led and coordinated by young people in care.

DCP Salisbury Office Manager Michael Doldo said it was fantastic to see one of his staff members getting acknowledged for the important work they do each and every day with children and young people.

“These important awards shine a light on our profession, highlighting the amazing, unseen and often thankless work we do,” Michael said.

“I would like to congratulate Gillian for her incredible contribution and for winning this prestigious award.”