Limestone Coast Manager Shalini McCarthy was awarded the inaugural Making a Difference – Living the Public Sector Purpose Individual Award and Aboriginal Practice Lead Annette Groat, who has worked for the department for 30 years, picked up the Public Sector Values Individual Award.

The judges praised Shalini for her outstanding leadership, sacrifice and service to vulnerable families and Annette was commended for working tirelessly to create better outcomes for Aboriginal children, young people and their families.

Held annually, the awards recognise public sector employees who make a positive difference to the lives of the South Australian community.

DCP Chief Executive Cathy Taylor said the department had made a strong showing in the Awards, representing five of the 29 finalists.

“It’s fantastic to see our staff members getting acknowledged for the important work they are doing each and every day with children, young people and families,” Cathy said.

“I would like to congratulate Shalini and Annette for their well-deserved awards, but also our other three finalists who make an incredible contribution to the important work of the department.”

DCP’s other finalists included:

• Georgina Auri-Cockatoo, Lead Project Officer, Quality and Practice
• Amy Selway, Supervisor, Inner South Office, South Region
• Mark Turner and the Specialist Services Team, Strategy, Partnerships and Reform.