Goodstart Bathurst Educator wins prestigious Awabakal Excellence in Education Award

Kerrie Kennedy, a Senior Educator from Goodstart Early Learning Bathurst recently won the Awabakal Excellence in Education Award at the National Dreamtime Awards.

The National Dreamtime Awards have been celebrated for four years, and have a reputation for being the “biggest and best celebration in the country” recognising Indigenous excellence in the categories of Sport, Arts, Education, Health and Community. 

Ms Kennedy was nominated by Bathurst Local Aboriginal Lands Council CEO Toni-Lee Scott for her excellence in education in early childhood, and said winning the award was a huge honour, one which was a tribute to the value her parents placed on education for her and their other children. 

“My mum and dad always told us how important our education was and instilled in us the importance of education for all children,” she said.

“I have helped to establish a Bush Kindy Program in Bathurst, making connections within the local Aboriginal Community, and connecting back to Country.

“I believe the most important learning and development in anyone’s life happens in high quality early learning centres like ours,” she said.

Ms Kennedy is a core member of the Goodstart Bathurst team, where she has worked for the past five years, proud to have played her part in the service having secured an Excellent rating last year, and of her other achievements during her 13 years of working in early learning. 

Goodstart Early Learning Bathurst Director Emma Kentwell said Ms Kennedy is an inspiration to Indigenous and non-Indigenous educators, the parents, children and the wider community.

The Sector extends its congratulations to Ms Kennedy on this significant achievement.