By Brendan Rees
City of Casey staff member, Emma Thomas, was recognised at the Victorian Protecting Children Awards on Tuesday 13 September for her commitment in making a difference to the lives of Aboriginal children and young people.
Ms Thomas was named as the recipient of the prestigious Walda Blow Award, which recognises contributions of an Aboriginal person in Victoria to the safety and well-being of Aboriginal children and young people.
“This award was named after Aunty Walda Blow who contributed significantly to our local community. Aunty Walda was a founding member of the Dandenong and Districts Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd, so to receive an award in her name is an honour,” Ms Thomas said.
She said young Aboriginal people were a significant percentage of the Aboriginal population in Victoria and particularly in the City of Casey.
Ms Thomas is part of the Casey Aboriginal Gathering Place team who ensure that the facility is a welcoming, safe place for children who are disengaged from school and that there are supports in place that help facilitate their attendance.
She also supports initiatives that strengthen young Aboriginal people’s connection to community, culture, positive social norms and healthy behaviours.
“I know that working in the community has its challenges, particularly in crisis, but what I love is most days I get to see the sunshine after the storm. Resilient young people, who despite their circumstances continue to learn and grow.
“Having a workforce that supports Aboriginal young people is important; through planning and service delivery we can support young Aboriginal people to have better health, education and justice outcomes.
“Every young person needs to have a guiding star, something that they are passionate about, and motivates them to do better and be better every day. They need someone to believe in them, and who they believe in, someone to confide in and someone who sees success, no matter how big or small.”
City of Casey manager connected communities Jo Smale said Ms Thomas worked tirelessly to support the children and young people around her, while keeping her sights set on all levels of government with the aim of bringing about the systemic reforms required to make long-term change for her community.
“Central to Emma’s holistic approach is her unyielding commitment to Aboriginal children and young people having a voice that is genuinely listened to and respected. This is particularly important in her work with children who are in and out of home care and who so very often feel powerless and alone,” she said.
“On behalf of council, I congratulate Emma for this well-deserved award recognises the important work that she does to ensure the safety and well-being of Aboriginal children and young people within Casey and across the region.”
Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos congratulated all winners who were recognised. “I know their stories will inspire others to continue on the journey in caring for Victoria’s vulnerable children.
“These awards show just some of the innovative ways people in the community are protecting children, which is everyone’s responsibility.”
