Residential carers and teams celebrated at the RCLDS Residential Care Awards 2024

The RCLDS Residential Care Awards were presented at the annual ResiROCKS event in Melbourne yesterday by the Hon. Lizzie Blandthorn, Minister for Children, and the Centre’s CEO, Deb Tsorbaris.  

This year’s Awards attracted a record number of nominations across 7 categories, with two judges awards presented the Distinguished Service and Crafting a Difference.  

The Award winner’s remarkable achievements showcase an unwavering dedication and innovative approaches to creating an environment of healing and growth. 

 Congratulations to all of the nominees, finalists and, of course, the wonderful winners of the 2024 RCLDS Residential Care Awards. 

 The winners are:

Distinguished Service in Out-of-Home Care Award

Winner: Adela Holmes 

Adela Holmes has dedicated over 50 years to child welfare, pioneering therapeutic care programs and advocating for trauma-informed practices that have profoundly impacted the lives of children and staff. 

Residential Care Team Award 

Winner: Dennis Street KEYS Program, MacKillop Family Services 

This multidisciplinary team has made significant strides in improving young people’s social and emotional wellbeing through collaborative care. Their innovative approaches have led to tangible improvements, such as increased school attendance and stronger family relationships. 

Honourable Mention: Morgan House Team, MacKillop Family Services 

Honourable Mention: Hurstbridge Farm, DFFH 

Hall of Fame 

(Formerly Lifetime Achievement Award) 

 Winner: Clive Reid, Hurstbridge Farm, Department of Fairness Families and Housing 

 Clive Reid has dedicated 14 years to Hurstbridge Farm, providing exceptional leadership and advocacy for young people, which has led to significant positive outcomes, including improved school engagement and successful family reunifications. 

Honourable Mention: Kylie Jones, Anglicare 

Leadership Award 

Winner: Frances Head, Berry Street 

Frances has demonstrated remarkable leadership by successfully implementing the Teaching-Family Model across multiple homes. Her ability to foster collaboration and empower others has profoundly influenced organisational culture. 

Honourable Mention: Lauren Rodgers, MacKillop Family Services 

Residential Carer Award 

Winner: Nicole East, Berry Street 

Nicole has significantly improved the lives of young people through her innovative approaches, including creating educational resources about intellectual disabilities. Her dedication to fostering a supportive environment and personalised care has profoundly impacted the children in her home. 

Honourable Mention: Kylie Watson, Anglicare 

Education Award  

Winner: Zach Mason, Junction Support Services

Zach Mason has spent eight years fostering educational engagement for young people in residential care through innovative approaches and personalised support, significantly enhancing their educational outcomes.

Honourable Mention: Alex Bonacci, Anglicare Victoria

First Nations Cultural Engagement Award 

Winner: Matthew Street Team, MacKillop Family Services 

The Matthew Street Team has shown commitment to culturally appropriate care for First Nations young people, integrating cultural practices and building strong connections with Aboriginal organisations to enhance the young people’s sense of identity and belonging. 

Honourable Mention: MDAS Team 

RCLDS Learning Award 

Winner: Laura Kennedy, Berry Street 

Laura exemplifies a commitment to ongoing learning, having completed multiple key qualifications, including a Diploma of Community Services and various training programs. Her dedication to sharing knowledge and fostering a culture of critical thinking makes her a vital asset to her organisation. 

 Honourable Mention: Jessica Collett, Cafs 

Crafting a Difference Award 

(Special Judges Award)

Winner: Bradley Lowe, Berry Street 

Bradley has transformed living spaces and built a sense of belonging through his DIY projects and life skills mentoring. His holistic approach has created a nurturing atmosphere, greatly enhancing the quality of life for the young people in his care. 

RCLDS Further Education Scholarship  

David Tyrrell, MacKillop Family Services 

David has been working in residential care for about 3 years, first as a residential care worker with Uniting, and more recently with MacKillop Family Services starting as a youth worker and recently moving into the role of Targeted Care Package Case Manager after several months of secondments and learning different roles. David started his Bachelor of Social Work earlier this year.  This scholarship will help support David with fees, books and other materials.

RCLDS Residential Care Awards Photo Gallery

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For more information about the awards and the Residential Care Learning and Development Strategy (RCLDS) click here.