The Joan Kirner Parent Participation Award is an annual award given by Parents Victoria to a Victorian parent or Parent Club who has demonstrated, encouraged, or facilitated parent or family engagement in their school. The award is named in honor of former Victorian Premier (and Parents Victoria President) Joan Kirner, who was a passionate advocate for government schools and the participation of parents in their children’s education. The award began in 2016 and is presented each year at our Annual Conference.
Award winners
2025
Winner: Sharron Healy, Parents Victoria Immediate Past President
The 2025 Joan Kirner Award winner is recognised for her outstanding dedication to parent participation and public education. With more than 20 years of hands-on engagement in Parent Clubs and more than a decade on School Councils, her advocacy is grounded in genuine community experience and a deep commitment to families in public schools.
From championing the voices of families in those school communities – to her leadership as President of both Parents Victoria and ACSSO – her commitment to equity, collaboration and strengthening parent–school partnerships, has made a profound and lasting impact across Victoria and Australia.
We proudly honor Sharron Healy’s exceptional service, with the 2025 Joan Kirner Parent Participation Award.
Photo: Sharron accepts the award at our Centenary Lunch on 30 November. From left: Tony Bates (Secretary of the Department of Education), Sharron Healy, The Hon. Ben Carroll MP (Deputy Premier & Minister for Education), Raelene Vine (Parents Victoria Board member).
2024
Winner: Kimberley Hall, Merri Creek Primary School
2023
Winner: Danielle Bell, Croydon Hills PS Association of Parents (CHAPS).
2022
No award
2021
Winner: All Victorian government school parents, in honour of their contribution over the difficult period of the Covid-19 restrictions and lockdowns.
2020
Winner: Catherine Kirby, Sandringham College
Runner-up: Nikky Edwards, Croydon Hills Primary School (Nikky was also the winner of the “Parent Champion During Covid Award”).
2019
Winner: Sue & Paul Brophy, Croydon Hills PS Association of Parents (CHAPS)
Runner-up: Matthew Wallace, Kyneton Primary School
2018
Winner: Koonung Secondary College PFA
Runner-up: Rachel Honeychurch, Campbells Creek Primary School
2017
Winner: Raelene Vine, Ouyen P-12 School
Runner-up: Darren Wolchyn, Sandringham College
2016
Winner: Nialin Waterson, Kyneton Primary School
Runner-up: Marcus Pohl, Sandringham Secondary College
Nominations
Want to nominate someone for the next Award? Contact our office.