GOVERNOR'S CHAPLAINCY AWARDS

Nominations Now Open

The Governor's Chaplaincy Awards presents a unique opportunity for His Excellency the Honourable Christopher Dawson AC APM, in partnership with YouthCARE, to highlight the good work and inspiring stories of chaplains across industries, such as aged care, defence, education, emergency services, heath, mining, social services and sports.

The awards ceremony, held in conjunction with the inaugural State Chaplaincy Conference at Optus Stadium, will recognise the positive impact chaplains have on individuals, workplaces and communities.

Nominations will be open from Monday, 8 May – Friday, 9 June 2023.

‍Nominations for individual chaplains will be accepted under the following categories:
• Chaplain of the Year
• Regional Chaplain of the Year
• Chaplaincy Leadership and Innovation
• Outstanding Response to a Critical Incident
• Cultural Capability
• Community Connection

‍Nominations will be accepted for organisations or individuals who have supported chaplains or chaplaincy service for:
• Chaplaincy Partnership

Nominees are to be nominated by others and self-nominations will only be accepted for the Chaplaincy Partnership Award.
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After the closure of nominations, nominees will be assessed by our industry leading panel as publicised. Nominees will then be announced via the website and personally invited to attend The Governor’s Chaplaincy Awards ceremony.

To nominate a chaplain for an Award, the nominator must:

Ensure that the candidate meets the criteria for The Governor’s Chaplaincy Award and:
- Is a current chaplain appointed to a paid or voluntary position
- Has displayed a significant commitment to the ministry of chaplaincy
Provide a profile of the chaplain, that establishes grounds for the nomination. Pertinent information would include but not be limited to the following:
- The candidate’s biography and work experience within their role as a chaplain
- The mission and description of the organisation that appointed the chaplain
- Two brief letters of recommendation from third-party endorsements (Required)
Provide written responses to the specific award category requirements.

"Both my wife and I, as Co-Patrons of YouthCARE, are pleased to support chaplaincy and the individuals who care for our most vulnerable and distraught during their times of need. This initiative recognises and celebrates the work being done across various communities throughout Western Australia."

- His Excellency Christopher Dawson AC APM,
Governor of Western Australia

Adjudicating Panel

CHAIR
Mrs Darrilyn Dawson
‍Patron of YouthCARE,
WA Department of Education and Training
Equal Opportunity Award Winner

VICE CHAIR
Graham Mabury
‍Founder of Lifeline WA and Former Reporter

Mr Dennis Jetta OAM
Noongar Elder and Pastor

Antionette De Pinto
Head of Primary
John XXIII College, Perth

Steve Wickham
Senior Incident Investigator & Culture Strategy Facilitator at the Department of Fire and Emergency Services

Michael Pailthrope
Former CEO Sports Chaplaincy Australia and Variety WA

Mabel Chua
Principal M6:8 Legal, Compassion Australia Board Member

Vince Connelly
CEO RSLWA, Former Member of the House of Representatives

Dr Victor Cheng
Psychiatrist, Former Executive Director of Perth Children's Hospital

Awards Categories

Chaplain of the Year Award
(Awarded to an individual)

Chaplain of the Year is awarded to the individual recognised by our panel of remarkable Western Australians as having shown exceptional compassion, community and connection in their role as a chaplain. The evidence of their commitment to these ideals will have positively impacted our Western Australian communities.

NOMINATE

Regional Chaplain of the Year Award
(Awarded to an individual)

This award recognises the contributions of a chaplain who demonstrates, through their role, exceptional compassion, service and connection to their Western Australian regional community. Nominations will shine a light on evidence of how their commitment to these ideals have positively impacted their communities. 

NOMINATE

Chaplaincy Partnership Award – In Support of Chaplaincy
(Awarded to an organisation or individual)

The work of a chaplain is made possible through the bringing together of a community that supports those in need. Chaplaincy can have a more positive impact on our communities, providing care and services to those requiring support around them, when in partnership with others. This award recognises the incredible individuals and organisations who support and provide for the work of chaplains, honouring their dedication to caring for the community in which they work and live.

NOMINATE

Chaplaincy Leadership and Innovation Award:
(Awarded to an individual)

This award recognises a contemporary leader spearheading initiatives that build on the effectiveness of chaplaincy. Their contribution extends beyond the normal expectation, having demonstrated great skill in developing or implementing new ideas or initiatives.

NOMINATE

Outstanding Response to a Critical Incident Award
(Awarded to an individual)

This award highlights the immense impact a chaplain can have in the aftermath of a critical incident. It recognises a chaplain who, in a moment when their community needed them most, provided support and care to those experiencing loss, fear and extreme difficulty. This chaplain, utilising the support networks of the wider community, provided leadership, coordination and communication to assist those unable, due to their circumstances, to help themselves. 

NOMINATE

Cultural Capability Award
(Awarded to an individual)

Acknowledging the unique context in which Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) people live and work, this award recognises the outstanding contribution a CALD chaplain  has made in their community. This chaplain demonstrates exceptional commitment to service and wellbeing through pastoral care while honouring cultural sensitivities as they walk alongside those in need. 

NOMINATE

Community Connection Award
(Awarded to an individual)

This award honours a chaplain who serves their community and its needs by caring for its members and their unique circumstances. This chaplain shows exceptional dedication to their involvement within the life of their community and uses their position as chaplain to positively impact the lives of those around them. 

NOMINATE