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
2023
Winner: Danielle Bell, Croydon Hills PS Association of Parents (CHAPS).
(Photo above, from left: Nikky Edwards, school principal Christian Holdsworth, Danielle Bell, Gail McHardy)
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.