Daring to care … John Avent has been commended by the State Government for his outstanding work in child protection. 53430 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By Belinda Nolan
JOHN Avent has carved out a career caring for other people’s children.
And with almost four decades of experience under his belt, you could say he’s one of Sunshine’s most prolific fathers.
Mr Avent is the general manager of The Salvation Army’s Westcare, which provides out of home care for children who have been removed from their families.
In more than 26 years in the role, Mr Avent has seen his share of tragedy but insists his job is one of the most rewarding in the world.
‘We’re confronted every day with children and young people who have been really badly abused and it can be quite stressful,’ Mr Avent said.
‘You struggle to comprehend how anyone could mistreat a child in this way.
‘But the way I look at it I’m in the fortunate position that I get to see first-hand the difference that we can make in children’s lives.’
Mr Avent became inspired to join the Salvation Army after witnessing their work as a young man.
He became a residential worker in the 1970s and in 1984 was appointed the general manager of Westcare.
Mr Avent’s outstanding achievements in child protection were recognised when he was highly commended by the State Government during the Robin Clark Memorial Awards.
Mr Avent received the commendation for ‘inspirational leadership’ after members of his staff nominated him for the award.
‘I felt really proud and humbled to even be nominated,’ Mr Avent said.
‘If the award is about anything, it’s about the commitment of my staff who work hard to provide the best quality of care to young people in need of help.’
