Children’s entertainer Desiree Wolter (Padbury). Photo: Martin Kennealey
Camera IconChildren’s entertainer Desiree Wolter (Padbury). Photo: Martin Kennealey Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Several local finalists entertained in national What’s On 4 Kids Awards

Tyler BrownJoondalup Times

SEVERAL local companies have been recognised nationally as among the top children’s entertainers.

Each year the What’s On 4 Kids Awards celebrate the best in children’s activities, classes, clubs, volunteers and party entertainment across Australia.

This year’s finalists include Padbury resident Desiree Wolter for Best Kids Live Show with The Dinosaur Box.

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The mother and mental health worker has been a children’s entertainer and performing arts teacher for many years but after losing many loved ones to suicide, she decided it was time to look at prevention.

She created the interactive stage show to encourage children “to be kind to their mind and to speak up and always roar their roar”.

“Using a variety of original and catchy songs, main characters Dez and DJ Dino Daisy focus on the simple act of kindness and respecting ones differences,” Ms Wolter said.

The former Girrawheen Senior High School student said she was proud to be in the running for the award.

“Though I believe wholeheartedly in what I offer the community and our future generation, I never expected to actually become a finalist,” she said.

“My following is still small in comparison to the other nominees in the category but I wouldn’t be practicing what I preach if I didn’t go for it.”

Joondalup-based Pyjama Drama is a finalist for Best Franchised Kids Activity, with founder Amanda Plumridge up for Kids Activity/Party Industry Leader of the Year and manager Eleanor Mulder a finalist for Most Outstanding Activity Leader for both babies (0-2 years) and preschoolers (3-5 years).

Other local finalists include Joondalup’s Forte School of Music for Best National Pre/Post Natal Activity or Baby Class (0-2 years) and Best National School Aged Activity (5-12 years), Tapping’s Glass Slipper Entertainment for Best Kids Party Entertainer, Alkimos’s Target Sports for Best Local School-Aged Kids Activity (5-12 years) with coach Josh Whitmore up for Most Outstanding Activity Leader for School-Aged Kids (5-12 years), Quinns Rocks’ Cygnets Dance for Best New Activity for Kids, Wanneroo’s Einstein’s Top Secret Science Perth for Best Activity for Kids with Additional Needs with senior training presenter Danni Stocks up for Most Outstanding Activity Leader for School-Aged Kids (5-12 years) while Baby Sensory and Toddler Sense Stirling, Joondalup and Wanneroo’s Emma Wild could win Most Outstanding Activity Leader for Babies (0-2 years).

The winners will be announced as part of the What’s On 4 Kids Conference in Brisbane from August 17 to 19.