September 4, 2014
Kingaroy child safety worker Matthew J. Armstrong today won one of Queensland’s highest child protection honours, the 2014 Queensland Child Protection Week Professional (Government) award.
Matthew has worked in the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services for almost 20 years, and for the past 10 has been based in the South Burnett.
Award organisers say his work has been cited in top academic texts.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said the work Matthew had done over the past two years has been invaluable to the local community.
“Matthew is currently developing a support program for young people leaving out-of-home care,” Ms Frecklington said.
“He previously assisted in designing Tranzitions, a hugely successful program in South Burnett to help young people in care transition to independence.”
The Queensland Child Protection Week Awards were announced today at the Parliamentary Annexe in Brisbane.
They recognise the child protection “heroes” who have helped literally thousands of Queensland children during their careers.
The 2014 winners include professionals and volunteers and cover projects in regional areas, education, youth and community, media and communications.
“Keeping children safe is everybody’s business and these awards honour those who’ve stepped up and given their all to protect our children,” Qld Child Protection Week chair Lorraine Dupree said.
She said abuse and neglect rates were rising nationally.
“At the frontline are today’s award winners, who’ve helped protect thousands of Queensland children,” she said.
Queensland Child Protection Week runs from September 7-13.
