The QFCC Commissioner Award for Community Engagement recognises individuals who understand that championing children's rights is a shared responsibility. By connecting people, organisations and communities, they build understanding and inspire action to strengthen the rights and wellbeing of children and young people across Queensland.
This year's finalists show that lasting change happens when communities listen, collaborate and act. Their work helps ensure children experience their rights in the places where they live, learn and grow.
Jules Davey | Hope for Our Children
With 20 years' experience in human services, Jules Davey is a passionate children's rights advocate and CEO of Hope for Our Children, where she has significantly expanded the organisation's reach and community impact.
Through initiatives including Bags of Hope, Hope Heroes and Dogs of Hope, Jules turns children's rights into practical action. These programs provide essential resources, early education, emotional wellbeing support and connection for children and families experiencing vulnerability.
At the heart of Jules' work is every child's right to feel safe, supported and given the opportunity to thrive. She brings these rights to life through practical support that strengthens children's wellbeing, learning and connection.
Alanna Philipson | Children's Health Queensland
Alanna Philipson is a Principal Program Officer at Children's Health Queensland, where she leads Connecting2u. This statewide program delivers timely, evidence-based parenting support from pregnancy through the early years.
Through accessible and culturally responsive messages, many written from the baby's perspective, Alanna helps parents and carers better understand their child's development, strengthen connection and feel reassured, confident and less alone throughout their parenting journey.
Alanna champions children's rights by helping families create safe, nurturing and responsive environments where children can develop, connect and thrive. Her work places the child's needs and perspective at the centre, translating evidence into practical support for parents and carers.
Emma MacTaggart | The Lighthouse Toowoomba
Emma MacTaggart is the founder of The Lighthouse Toowoomba, a community-led charity creating opportunities for children to read, write, celebrate and participate with confidence.
Through literacy programs, workshops and exhibitions, Emma and her team have placed more than 42,000 books into children's homes and publicly celebrated the work of hundreds of young creators. These opportunities help children experience their rights to education, creativity, belonging and being heard.
At the heart of Emma's work is every child's right to learn, create, participate and be heard. She empowers children to share their ideas and stories with confidence, strengthening their sense of belonging and reinforcing that their voices matter.
About the sponsor
We extend our sincere thanks to the Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC) for their valued support and continued commitment to ensuring children and young people are heard, respected and have their rights upheld.
We also thank Luke Twyford, Principal Commissioner, for his dedicated support of Children's Rights Queensland and his ongoing commitment to championing the voices and rights of children and young people.
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