Affinity awards abound at 2019 Lifelong Learning Conference

Centre, area and state managers employed by Affinity Education were recently celebrated as part of the 2019 Centre Manager Lifelong Learning Conference, which incorporated leadership lessons, inspiration from Anthony Semann, and sharings from children’s entertainment expert Jimmy Rees (aka Jimmy Giggle) and motivational speaker Julie Cross.

 

During the conference the Affinity team engaged in development opportunities, bonding exercises and acknowledging the recipients of the 2019 Affinity Awards. 

 

In congratulating the recipients, CEO Tim Hickey thanked centre managers, area managers, state managers, quality and educational teams, and the Affinity ‘support crew’ saying: “Congratulations to our worthy award winners – you’re leading your teams through the Affinity Way values, as outstanding providers of high-quality early education and care.” 

 

Area Manager Stacey Laubsch was recognised with the ‘CEO’s Choice’ award, with State Manager’s Choice awards being given to:

 

• Jan Holmes, Queensland (Aussie Kindies Early Learning Currumbin Waters) 

 

• Sazia Rahman, New South Wales (Papilio Early Learning Centre North Strathfield – Blue Campus)

 

• Danielle Gatt, Victoria (Papilio Early Learning Centre Ashburton)

 

• Kayla Bishop, Western Australia/Northern Territory (Little People’s Retreat Middle Swan).

 

Sarah Kleehammer of Milestones Early Learning Lakes Entrance was recognised as the Most Improved Centre Manager, with Julie Louk – Milestones Early Learning South Townsville named Best Centre Manager, and Theresa Phillips – Bambini Early Childhood Development Coombabah as runner up.

 

Quality awards

 

The Quality Improvement Award was given to Smithfield ELC, QLD, with Abacus Childcare, VIC receiving the award for Quality. Premier ELC Moruya, NSW were recognised for Excellence in Safety, and Pitt Town ELC, NSW for Excellence in Early Childhood Education. 

 

Values based awards 

 

The centre-based values based awards, for those centres who as a collective reflect the core values of Affinity Education, were as follows: 

 

Completely Connected: NSW – Kids Academy Regentville

 

Going Above and Beyond: NSW – Papilio Early Learning Meadowbank

 

Having Serious Fun: QLD – Milestones Early Learning Highfields

 

Creating Shining Stars: WA/NT – Little People’s Retreat Middle Swan

 

Living the Team Spirit: QLD – Country Kids Stanthorpe

 

Delivering Outstanding Professionalism: VIC – Box Hill Early Learning

 

Individual values based awards: 

 

Awards for individuals reflecting Affinity core values were as follows: 

 

Completely Connected: QLD – Jodie Henderson – Aussie Kindies Early Learning Granville

 

Going Above and Beyond: QLD – Carol Johnston – Milestones Early Learning Stretton

 

Having Serious Fun: QLD – Michelle Belanji – Tadpoles Early Learning Centre Narangba

 

Creating Shining Stars: NSW – Krista Lynch – Acting Area Manager for Kurrawatha Avenue Early Learning Centre, Milestones Early Learning Centre No 1 (CBD), Milestones Early Learning Centre No 2 (OXY) and Aussie Kindies Early Learning Glen Innes

 

Living the Team Spirit: NSW – Michelle Shephard – Aussie Kindies Early Learning Woy Woy

 

Delivering Outstanding Professionalism: QLD – Tamara Fowler – TLC Childcare Sherwood