Victorian Early Years Awards: nominations now open for 2023

Nominations for the 2023 Victorian Early Years Awards (VEYA) are now open, celebrating the leadership, outstanding achievement, exceptional dedication and innovation in improving outcomes for children aged from birth to eight years and their families in Victoria.

Now in their 18th year, the Awards will this year feature two new categories. 

The first new category recognises the importance of Aboriginal inclusion and perspectives in ensuring all services are accessible to Koorie children and families, and commemorates the work and legacy of Aunty Rose Bamblett (dec). 

“Aunty Rose Bamblett’s passion for early childhood education and support of Koorie families spanned more than 40 years – it is only fitting that we commemorate her life and legacy with an Early Years Award in her name,” Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep Ingrid Stitt said.

The second recognises that educators make a vital contribution to early childhood services and children. In total, there are nine categories of award covering improving engagement in learning, supporting parents, building collaborative community partnerships, improving child health and wellbeing, exemplary practice in early childhood education, leadership and significant improvement on learning and teaching practices.

Finalists in each category will be also eligible to win the prestigious Minister’s Award, selected by the Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep.

Winners in each category are not only recognised as being the best in Victoria for their category, they will also receive a grant of $15,000 for professional development or to support their nominated initiative.

To apply visit the awards platform. Key dates for the awards are outlined below. 

Key dates

• Applications/nominations open: Tuesday 2 May 2023
• Applications/nominations close: 5pm on Wednesday 14 June 2023
• Judging process starts: week commencing Monday 26 June 2023
• Finalists contacted: week commencing Monday 28 August 2023
• Awards presentation: Thursday 9 November 2023

Queries relating to the 2023 Victorian Early Years Awards can be made via email to [email protected] 

For information on previous award winners, please visit the Honour Roll page. Terms and conditions for the Awards are available here.