The 2026 SA Child Protection & Family Support Awards shine a spotlight on the extraordinary people and initiatives helping children, young people and families thrive across South Australia.
From a groundbreaking program supporting parents with disability, to a woman who has dedicated nearly 40 years to improving outcomes for children and families, and a youth council strengthening connection to family, culture and Country for Aboriginal children in care, this year's winners and finalists reflect the very best of the sector.
The winners were announced at an awards ceremony at Adelaide Oval today, held in partnership with NAPCAN, celebrating the individuals, carers, volunteers, organisations and partnerships whose passion, innovation and commitment are helping children, young people, families and carers thrive.
More than 300 nominations across 10 categories were received from across the state, showcasing the exceptional work happening every day across South Australia’s child protection and family support sector.
Lutheran Care was the proud Gold Sponsor of the 2026 SA Child Protection and Family Support Awards.
The 2026 award winners are:
- Active Efforts Award: Murraylands Cultural Youth Council
- Minister for Child Protection Lifetime Achievement Award: Ann Kasprzak, Centacare Catholic Community Services
- Positive Impact Award: Lisa Roe, Family Day Care
- Regional Impact Award: Co-location Model Port Lincoln, Centacare Catholic Country SA and DCP Port Lincoln
- Thriving Sector Award: RAISE Parent Inclusion Program, The Riley Foundation
- Voice of the Child Award: Sean Fahey, Department of Human Services
- Volunteer of the Year: Roslyn Mahon, Department for Child Protection
- Young Achiever Award: Aaliyh Hansen and Aliyah Harvey
- Foster Carer of the Year: Maria Kouimanis, AnglicareSA
- Kinship Carer of the Year: Emily Fullerton & Chad Fowler, Life Without Barriers and Flayme Rollins, Martinthi-InComPro
Quotes attributable to Minister for Child Protection Alice Rolls
At the heart of these awards are the remarkable people who dedicate themselves to supporting children, young people and families across South Australia.
Every day, carers, volunteers, practitioners, leaders, advocates and service providers bring compassion, kindness and commitment to their work, helping people through challenges and creating opportunities to thrive.
Our winners and finalists represent the very best of this dedication. Their efforts remind us of the impact we can have when we work together with children, young people and families at the centre.
Congratulations to all those recognised today and thank you to the many people across the sector whose dedication, often unseen, strengthens our communities every day.
Quotes attributable to NAPCAN Chief Executive Leesa Waters
Congratulations to the winners and finalists of the 2026 SA Child Protection and Family Support Awards. These awards celebrate the people and organisations who show up for children and families every day, and the commitment they bring to that work.
This year, NAPCAN has been calling for adults to take a seat at the kid’s table and reminding us that every conversation matters.
When we’re curious and listen to children and families, we can turn those conversations into action and build a better future together.
