The C&K Children’s Rights Champion of the Year Award recognises outstanding leadership in promoting and safeguarding children’s rights in Queensland. This award celebrates individuals and organisations whose advocacy, policy work, and community engagement make children’s rights a lived reality.
This year’s finalists demonstrate the vision, courage, and commitment needed to create lasting impact. Their work reflects the UNCRC and shows how communities and organisations can drive meaningful change. Learn more about them below:
Curious Me – Championing the Right to Play and Participation
Curious Me advances children’s rights by ensuring every child’s right to play, belong, and participate is realised (Article 31 – Right to Play and Recreation; Article 12 – Right to be Heard; Article 2 – Non-discrimination).
Since 2018, Curious Me has provided thousands of children across South-East Queensland with inclusive, child-led play experiences that honour agency, creativity, and belonging. Their programs break down barriers to participation, particularly for neurodivergent children and those who have experienced exclusion.
“Curious Me doesn’t just deliver services, we actively bring children’s rights to life, ensuring every child has the chance to belong, play, and thrive.” – Curious Me Team
Families consistently describe Curious Me as a safe and affirming environment:
“It is the first space I have found that truly lets my kids be the kids they really are without restriction… From the bottom of my heart, thank you!” – Parent testimonial
Curious Me also provides professional development for educators, advocates for child-led practices, and hosts community events celebrating children’s rights.
Stationery Aid – Advancing the Right to Education
Stationery Aid protects and promotes every child’s right to education is protected and promoted (Article 28 – Right to Education; Article 29 – Aims of Education; Article 26 – Right to Benefit from Social Security).
Founded in 2020, Stationery Aid has equipped over 2,000 Queensland children with personalised school supplies, removing barriers of poverty and exclusion. Their circular economy model diverts thousands of kilograms of stationery from landfill while fostering dignity, inclusion, and sustainability.
“Stationery Aid ensures every child’s right to education is realised. By removing barriers, we amplify student voices, foster creativity, and provide equitable opportunities for learning, inclusion, and participation in society.” – Alison Schutt, Co-founder
Their impact includes a 30% improvement in school attendance and strong partnerships with more than 50 schools and organisations. Beyond resources, they amplify student voices through initiatives such as an Art celebrating creativity, sustainability and education.
“This initiative not only celebrated creativity and resilience but also highlighted the importance of the children’s right to a good education and the collective responsibility of reducing waste.” – Alison Schutt
Deborah Aldrick, Dragonfly Advocacy – Protecting the Right to Safety and Healing
Deborah Aldrick, founder of Dragonfly Advocacy, is a survivor-advocate reshaping child protection and survivor support in Queensland (Article 19 – Protection from Violence and Abuse; Article 39 – Rehabilitation and Recovery; Article 12 – Right to be Heard).
Through education, policy reform, and lived experience, Deborah empowers communities to prevent abuse, supports survivors, and drives systemic change. Her book, Circling The Wagons, has helped many survivors in their healing journey.
“I do it not for recognition for myself, but to give voice to the unheard, create safe spaces for difficult conversations, and help others reclaim their stories, just as I’ve reclaimed mine.” – Deborah Aldrick
Her advocacy extends across families, professionals, and organisations, offering resources and education to strengthen child protection.
“I would like to let everyone out there who has suffered similar abuse within a family know that they are not alone, and that they weren’t to blame in any way!” – Deborah Aldrick
Celebrating Community Champions
These three finalists exemplify what it means to be a children’s rights champion. We also acknowledge the many other nominees in this category, whose dedication ensures every child feels safe, valued, and supported, with their rights recognised and protected.
This award is proudly sponsored by C&K. The award winner will be announced on 21 October 2025 during Children's Week.
Learn more about the Children's Week Awards here.