Police officer earns child safety award
EACH year, those at the forefront of protecting vulnerable children in the South Burnett region are recognised for their efforts at an annual awards presentation.
This year, the 30th year Child Protection Week was marked in Australia, and despite the cancellation of the network dinner due to COVID-19, the awards were still presented to commemorate the incredible work done by our police officers, childcare workers, early intervention workers, staff from Child Safety, health care nurses, and other services our children depend on.
Child Safety manager Melissa Venn said the Joy Kite Award for Exceptional Practices with Families had never been presented to a police officer before.
The award acknowledges the contribution of someone in direct practice, who has displayed excellence in the quality of their work with children, young people, and families.
This year, Kingaroy police officers received two nominations, with Senior Constable Sam Giles and Acting Sergeant Lisa O’Leary commended for their efforts in dealing with vulnerable families in difficult circumstances.
For her selfless commitment to assisting in delicate family matters, and going above and beyond what is expected of her, Constable Giles was presented with the coveted award.
Presenting Constable Giles with the her honorary plaque, Kingaroy Senior Sergeant
David Tierney said Sam did everything she could to get kids back on track.
“It’s very demanding work and Sam chooses to do it not because she has to, but because she wants to,” he said.
“She actually cares about the kids in the town.
“She wants to be not just a detective, but a detective in CPIU, and that’s what her calling is – to help kids.”
The 2020 South Burnett Child Protection Week Collaboration Award went to Kingaroy Child Protection Investigation Unit.