2026 Victorian Protecting Children Awards
Recognise excellence in keeping children, young people and families safe and supported. Nominations close 9 April 2026.
The Victorian Protecting Children Awards (VPCA) honour people and teams who show excellence in working with children, young people and families.
These prestigious awards have been running for 23 years. They celebrate the Victorian child and family services sector and community.
As an early childhood education and care professional, you see people working together every day to keep children safe and supported.
If you want to recognise someone who has helped strengthen the wellbeing and safety of children, young people and families, nominate them for a VPCA.
Nominate today
Nominations are open until Thursday 9 April 2026 at 5:00 pm. The nomination period will not be extended.
Anyone can nominate. By nominating a person or team you can help recognise the positive impact their work has for children, young people and families.
You can find the nomination link on the Victorian Protecting Children Awards webpage.
Who you can nominate
You can nominate people, teams or groups working in:
- early childhood education and care sectors
- the child and family services sector
- child protection
- government
- academic organisations.
You can also nominate:
- foster carers
- kinship carers
- permanent carers
- volunteers
- community members.
Award categories
The 2026 Victorian Protecting Children Awards categories:
- Robin Clark Leadership Award
- Robin Clark Making a Difference Award
- Minister’s Award for Excellence in Protecting Children
- Foster Carer Award
- Kinship Carer Award
- Engaging Kids in School Award (includes early years and pre-school programs/activities)
- Keeping At Risk Young People Safe Award
- CREATE Positive Impacts Award – managed by the CREATE Foundation
- Child and Youth Empowerment Award – managed by the Commission for Children and Young People
- The Walda Blow Aboriginal Children and Young People Award – managed by the Commission for Children and Young People
- Leaving a Legacy Award – managed by the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare.
Read more about the 2025 Victorian Protecting Children Awards 2025 Winners and Finalists.
Find out more
Nominate and find more information on the Victorian Protecting Children Awards webpage.
Updated 1 April 2026
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