The Sir John Reid Community Service Award honours the contribution to the Club of Sir John Reid, a Past President, Paul Harris Fellow, recipient of the Vocational Service Award and member of the Club from 1936 to 1984, and recognises a person in the Victorian community whose voluntary service is judged to be worthy of special notice.

This week the Chairman of the Community Welfare Committee, Heather Barton, presented Dr Judith Paphazy PhD with the 2008 Sir John Reid Award.  

This presentation was made to Dr. Judith Paphazy PhD for her work with disadvantaged children and homeless youth over thirty years.  The focus of all of her work has been to improve the lives of young people and families, especially those who are alienated from society. 

Her role in Open Family Australia has helped to place over 5,000 young people back into education or training, resulting in them obtaining additional skills so that they may engage in meaningful employment.  In addition, this has often led to reconnection with family and acceptance in society.

Her pioneering work with Professor Grotberg in the International Council of Psychologists (United Nations Consultative Status) in the promotion of resilience programs in schools has been taken up in countries all over the world.  The resilience model used in her whole school/home program has built strength and skills in children, adolescents and adults.  The outcomes have proven to be effective, resulting in harmonious families and communities.

Dr Paphazy, a well-known Melbourne Consultant Psychologist, has a passion for helping children, adolescents, families and schools where educational and behavioural problems are proving a barrier for people to reach their potential.

Following the presenttion, Dr Paphazy presented a thought-provoking address on her volunteer work with street kids and Open Family Australia. She went on to discuss a new approach, adopted worldwide, to help children, adolescents and adults develop resilience.