The Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC) Commissioner’s Award for Community Engagement honours individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to inspiring collective action and strengthening community connections to champion children’s rights in Queensland. This award recognises those who mobilise communities, institutions, and organisations to advance the rights of children as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
This year’s finalists show the power of collaboration, creativity, and compassion in making children’s rights a lived reality. Their work demonstrates that when communities come together with shared purpose, children thrive. Learn more about them below:
Jarib Branfield-Bradshaw – Transforming Youth Engagement in Cunnamulla
A proud Guwamu and Kooma man, Jarib Branfield-Bradshaw has transformed youth engagement in the remote town of Cunnamulla. At just 21, he founded the Cunnamulla Neighbourhood Centre, a youth-led space that has welcomed more than 200 young people. He also leads the Cunnamulla Youth Council, which operates like a real local government chamber, complete with motions, minutes, and elected leaders.
Jarib’s work supports children’s rights to education (Article 28 – Right to Education), safety (Article 19 – Protection from Violence and Abuse), and participation (Article 12 – Right to be Heard). He has helped disengaged youth return to school, access apprenticeships, and reconnect with family and culture. His after-hours crisis support has saved lives and shifted community attitudes about supporting young people.
“The centre provides food, games, and a safe place to be, but more importantly it gives young people dignity and ownership. In every space I step into, whether one-on-one with a young person, in a council chamber, or on a national platform, my work is about ensuring children’s rights are not overlooked.” – Jarib Branfield-Bradshaw
Jarib’s leadership has been recognised through his roles as a Global Youth Ambassador, Queensland Youth Parliament Member, and the 2025 Bush Champions Young Champion.
Emily MacManus – The Lighthouse Toowoomba
Emily MacManus is the Chief Operating Officer at The Lighthouse Toowoomba, a vibrant creative hub that places children’s rights at the centre of community life. Initiatives such as the One-Way Library, The Write Gallery, and custom designed Youth Justice Workshops ensure children experience their rights to education (Article 28 – Right to Education), freedom of expression (Article 13 – Freedom of Expression), and cultural participation (Article 31 – Right to Play, Leisure and Cultural Life). More than 11,000 children have participated in Lighthouse programs, with over 30,000 books distributed to families.
“Through The Lighthouse Toowoomba, children experience their right to education, expression, and participation in real and practical ways, whether by accessing free books, sharing their stories, or leading creative projects. I am humbled by this nomination as it is very much a team and community effort.” – Emily MacManus
Her work is deeply collaborative, involving volunteers, artists, educators, and families, showing that impact belongs to the whole community.
Bronwyn Sheehan – The Pyjama Foundation
Bronwyn Sheehan founded The Pyjama Foundation, supporting thousands of children in foster care through its Love of Learning Program. This initiative upholds children’s rights to education (Article 28 – Right to Education), wellbeing (Article 24 – Right to Health and Wellbeing), and participation (Article 12 – Right to be Heard) by pairing children with trained volunteer mentors, known as Pyjama Angels.
“These mentors are not just tutors or volunteers, they become trusted allies, role models, and safe people in a child’s life.” – Bronwyn Sheehan
Bronwyn has also developed a mindfulness program to support children’s emotional wellbeing:
“Mindfulness offers a gentle way to calm both the body and the mind. For vulnerable children, it creates space, space between a feeling and a reaction, space for kindness toward themselves, and space to experience safety and peace, often for the first time in their lives.” – Bronwyn Sheehan
Her leadership ensures children in foster care are not only supported academically but also emotionally and socially.
Celebrating Community Champions
While these three finalists are highlighted, we also celebrate the many other nominees in this category, whose dedication continues to advance children’s rights across Queensland. Together, they are creating stronger, more inclusive communities where children are valued, respected, and empowered.
This award is proudly sponsored by the Queensland Family and Child Commission. The award winner will be announced on 21 October 2025 during Children's Week.
Learn more about the Children's Week Awards here.