Leadership

Sally Wuttke named as Early Years Leader of the Year in SA Public Education Awards

Freya Lucas

Nov 09, 2021

Save

Nuriootpa Community Children’s Centre Director Sally Wuttke has been recognised as the Early Years Leader of the Year in the South Australian Public Education Awards, which were announced late last week.

Ms Wuttke was one of 13 passionate and outcome-driven public education employees revealed as winners at the annual Awards ceremony. Selected from a strong field of finalists, the individuals and teams stood out for their delivery of world class learning outcomes for children and young people across the South Australian education system.

School and preschool-based winners were highly commended for their achievements in improving student outcomes in key areas such as literacy, numeracy and attendance at an individual, site, and partnership level.

Winners outside of the classroom stood out for their innovation in implementing and leading key measures for system-wide improvement and championing best practice in schools and preschools across the state.

The 13 winners will receive $10,000 and the 24 runners-up will receive $2,000 to go towards professional development.

“This year’s winners and finalists strive to support every child and young person to be successful and deliver a world-class education system for all South Australians,” Minister for Education John Gardner said.

“The awards provide an opportunity to reflect on our achievements, be proud of the work we've done and where we are heading together,” he added, saying that while COVID-19 has thrown some challenges to the education sector, professionals have gone “above and beyond” to ensure South Australians are supported.

“We want every child and young person in our state, no matter what town or suburb they live in, or which classroom or kindy they attend, to be supported to fulfil their potential. Everyone in our state’s public education system is working together as a connected team towards one goal, to deliver world class education for all children and young people in South Australia.”

The awards recognise the achievements of teachers, leaders, allied health professionals and corporate staff across the state, with a full list of winners available here.

Don’t miss a thing

Male educators in early childhood: renewed debate highlights deeper workforce questions

A recent article published by Education Daily has reignited national discussion about the need for more male teachers across Australia. While much of the public commentary focuses on primary and secondary schooling, the gender imbalance is even more pronounced in early childhood education and care (ECEC).

The Early Childhood Education Summit

More than 1,000 early childhood teachers and educators have registered to participate in the inaugural national Early Childhood Summit, to be held at the University of Sydney and online, Saturday February 21, 2026.

Supporting educator wellbeing: Sector resources and strategies for resilient teams

Wellbeing remains a cornerstone of quality early childhood education and care, and leaders are being urged to act now to strengthen the support available to their teams.

Creating space to belong: How ‘pause points’ are reshaping children’s rights and agency at Gardenia Early Learning

In fast-paced early learning environments, moments of pause are often overlooked. Leaders at Gardenia Early Learning reflect on how intentionally curated ‘pause points’ are supporting children’s belonging, agency, and wellbeing, and reshaping how time, transition, and space are experienced across services.

What is ARACY and how can The Nest support early childhood services

The Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY) has shaped the national conversation on child and youth wellbeing for more than two decades. Its flagship Nest Wellbeing Framework is increasingly used by organisations to align strategy, measure outcomes and strengthen collaboration.

Male educators in early childhood: renewed debate highlights deeper workforce questions

The Early Childhood Education Summit

Supporting educator wellbeing: Sector resources and strategies for resilient teams

Wellbeing remains a cornerstone of quality early childhood education and care, and leaders are being urged to act now to strengthen the support available to their teams.