• Victoria’s peak body for child and family services is recognising the state’s best journalists.
• The Centre’s first annual media awards will celebrate ethical and respectful coverage of children, young people and families.
• Four awards are available, with entries now open for submissions across print, TV, radio, digital and podcasts.
Across Australia, there is increasing awareness of the issues facing many children and families, including family and domestic violence as well as the sexual exploitation of children. As this awareness grows, it’s important that media reports acknowledge children as victims in their own right and meaningfully represent the voices of children, young people and families ethically.
The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare (the Centre), the peak body for Victoria’s children, young people and their families, is recognising journalists who have elevated the voices of children and families in a respectful and ethical way.
The Centre’s first annual awards for excellence in reporting will include:
• Best story about children
• Best story about young people
• Best story about children or young people in out of home care
• Best story about families
Centre CEO Deb Tsorbaris said the media plays a key role in creating and reinforcing views on issues affecting children and families, and that journalists who rise above typical narratives should be applauded.
“There are many outstanding journalists who challenge stereotypes about children, young people and families through their reporting. Those journalists deserve to be recognised for their role in influencing understanding and action on the issues affecting children and families experiencing vulnerability,” Ms Tsorbaris said.
Russ Mulry, an LGBTIQA+ person with lived experience of out-of-home care who is now working to lead change in Victoria’s care system and advocate for better support for LGBTIQA+ young people, said we need to hear more stories from those who have been let down and failed by the system in mainstream media.
“The media plays a huge role in the way we live our lives and we need to continue to share the stories of those less fortunate than us,” Russ said.
How to submit a story
If you’re interested in submitting a story to one of the above categories, please send a link or copy of your story to communications
