Award Winners - 2002
Prestigious Awards Celebrate Leadership in Child, Youth and Family Welfare
"Inspirational leadership" and "Making a difference with children, young people and families" in the field of child, youth and family welfare was recognised and celebrated at a special awards function held 29th April 2002.
The inaugural Robin Clark Memorial Awards recognise and encourage individuals who work to the highest standards in service provision and practice-based research to improve the lives of children, young people and families in Victoria.
 | Pictured: Vonda Coyne - Unit Coordinator at Parkville Youth Residential Centre - Co-winner of 'Making a difference with children, young people and families' with Minister Pike and Vonda's children - Nathan, Jessica and Rebecca. |
The 26 award nominees represent the broad child, youth and family welfare sector and demonstrate the breadth of work undertaken across the state. Five nominees were awarded in this inaugural year with two nominees receiving 'High Commendations' for their work and three nominees 'Winning' awards. The Minister for Community Services and Housing Bronwyn Pike presented the awards to the winners in front of an audience of 170 people working in the child and family welfare sector.
The Robin Clark Memorial Awards are dedicated to Robin Dennis Clark, a widely respected and inspirational leader in the field of child, youth and family welfare who had a distinguished career of public service. The awards are offered in two categories:
- Inspirational Leadership in the Field; and
- Making a Difference with Children, young People and Families.
Inspirational Leadership in the Field - Winner
Ms Sherrie Coote has been working in the child, youth and family welfare sector for 27 years. Her career has been impressive in both direct care and leadership roles in government and non-government sectors.
Sherrie now works as a consultant. She is well known and respected across the broad child and family welfare sector for several reasons:
- her long-term commitment to the field and response to the changing needs of children, young people, families and staff;
- her capacity to enthuse and inspire her colleagues; and
- her implementation of innovative programs and service models.
Making a Difference with Children, Young People and Families - Co-Winner
Ms Sofie Serafingos has been a Child Protection worker for the past seven years in the Southern Metropolitan Region. She has worked in all areas of Child Protection from initial investigations of notifications, to case management. For the past four years Sofie has worked with high-risk adolescents on the Adolescent Protective Team.
Sofie is highly regarded by her colleagues for her ability to engage and maintain a commitment to very troubled and marginalised young people as well as her ability to develop and work in partnership with professionals from other agencies
Making a Difference with Children, Young People and Families - Co-Winner
Ms Vonda Coyne is Unit Coordinator of the 'Cullity Unit' for young women aged 10-21 years at Parkville Youth Residential Centre.
Vonda has worked at Parkville for the past six years. She began work as a youth worker and has advanced during the years to her position as Unit Coordinator. She is responsible for a range of tasks including client case management, supervision, training and the quality of care to the young women in the unit.
Vonda works with some of the most disadvantaged girls and young women in the state but is always a positive role model and mentor for both clients and staff. She is renowned for her strong professional presence, her warmth and her personable, unconditional and responsive character.
Inspiration Leadership in the Field - Highly Recommended
Dr Leanne Rowe is a general practitioner who left her private practice in 1994 to set up young people's health service known as Clockwork in Geelong, which provides health care for about 200 disadvantaged teenagers per week.
Leanne has developed a keen interest in preventable health and has recently published a book and website by young people for young people on health issues. Since leaving Clockwork in 2001, Leanne has gone on to assist in the development of the National Divisions Youth Alliance - a peak body to support youth health programs across Australia.
Inspiration Leadership in the Field - Highly Recommended
Ms Jo Cavanagh is CEO of Southern Family Life Service Association located in Sandringham.
Jo's entire senior staff at Southern Family Life believe that she provides them with true, inspirational leadership and therefore nominated her as a group for this award. Under Jo's leadership, staff at Southern Family Life work their mission: 'Well-being of children and young people is a community responsibility.'
Jo's leadership is demonstrated in her driving force to establish collaborative partnerships with other service providers, community agencies, volunteers and businesses. Under Jo's leadership, Southern Family Life has built both a national and international reputation of good practice.
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