Five child, youth and family workers have been recognised for making a significant difference to the lives of Victoria's most vulnerable children and young people.

Minister for Children Sherryl Garbutt presented the 2006 Robin Clark Memorial Awards at a function in Federation Square to launch National Child Protection Week.

'The five women and men to receive awards this year have been recognised for their outstanding service and inspirational leadership to help Victoria's most vulnerable children and families.

'These awards are one way Victorians can acknowledge these individuals and say thank you for their good work.'

Ms Garbutt said the awards were first presented in 2002 and named after Robin Clark, a former Department of Human Services' child and family welfare manager, who died of cancer in 2001.

'Ms Clark was a widely respected inspirational leader and role model.

'She was dedicated to excellence in the care and protection of children and young people.'

Ms Garbutt said the awards were presented in two categories•making a difference with children, young people and families and inspirational leadership in the field.

Two winners of this year's award for making a making a difference with children, young people and families were Faye Stanesby, a maternal and child health nurse with the City of Yarra and Carol Taylor, program co-ordinator of Wanjana Lidj (to hold a child or to hold children) Family Preservation Program at the Ramahyuck and District Aboriginal Corporation based in Morwell.

'Both women have made an outstanding difference to the lives of many young families they have worked with over the years—Ms Stanesby in the diverse community of inner city Melbourne, and Ms Taylor with Aboriginal families in Gippsland.'

Ms Garbutt also congratulated Peninsula Youth and Family Services foster carer John Woolcock, who was highly commended.

The inspirational leadership in the field award went to Geelong-based Department of Human Services community services manager Nola Ganly.

'Ms Ganly's role builds on more than 30 years in the child and family services sector in the region, during which time she has make a positive and lasting difference to the lives of many clients,' she said.

Frankston-based Department Child Protection team leader Karen Walters was highly commended.