27 Oct 2022
The ACT Children’s Week Awards were held yesterday. Each year the awards acknowledge the contribution of those who make a difference for children and young people, as well as young people who inspire others.
Over 100 people attended the 2022 awards, including ACT Children’s Week Patron The Honourable Margaret Reid, AO and Jackie French, AM – Children’s Week Ambassador.
Recipients included local educators, volunteers and students, whose efforts have supported the national focus of Children’s Week 2022: ‘All Children have the right to a standard of living that supports their wellbeing and healthy development’.
The recipients included:
Macgregor Primary School teacher Simone Xirakis, awarded the Significant Support award for her ongoing support of a Year 6 student at risk of disengaging. Simone identified the neurodivergent student had a passion for learning how to sign so developed and delivered a personalised AUSLAN program. In her own time, Simone upgraded her AUSLAN qualifications to support this student who was having difficulties accessing and connecting with school and the curriculum. Remarkably, the student was not in Simone’s class and the result has been a student now deeply engaged with school and the curriculum.
Peter Wake, a retired dental technician who was named the Intergenerational award winner. Peter mentors students at Macgregor Primary School, working with one student at a time to design, problem solve and create shared structures and projects using Meccano. He has built rapport and positive relationships with students, encouraging them to engage with school and become confident learners. Peter is part of the ACT Volunteers in Schools Program.
For outstanding contribution to neurodiverse youth, Daydream Machine was awarded the Business Contribution award. Established by 2022 Australian of the Year ACT local Hero Luke Ferguson, this new Canberra based business enables young people living with disability to explore their interests and talents in music, arts and STEM projects. Daydream Machine currently provides tailored programs to 22 young neurodivergent people across the ACT.
Advanced ANU chemistry honours student Lauren Maloney was recognised with an inaugural Exceptional STEM Volunteer award. She has voluntarily been running STEM workshops for neurodiverse girls aged 10 to 16 years at Daydream Machine.
The Canberra Brick Expo event was awarded the Business Contribution award for its outstanding contribution to children through fundraising more than $500,000 for the Canberra Hospital to fund medical equipment, clinical space makeovers and therapy toys. Brick Expo volunteer Stephen Calder was awarded the Community for Children award for his leadership and organisation of this annual event.
Congratulations to all the winners!