anzuk Education announces Early Childhood Volunteer of the Year

Roslyn Sayers, President of Hampton Community Kindergarten in Victoria has been named as the 2023 anzuk Education Early Childhood Volunteer of the Year.

The anzuk Education Early Childhood Volunteer of the Year awards acknowledge the significant contribution that volunteers make to early learning services, a contribution that benefits children, families, early learning professionals and the broader community. 

Ms Sayers was informed of the win at the Early Learning Association Australia (ELAA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) which took place online on Thursday, 23 November. 

During her term at Hampton Community Kindergarten, Ms Sayers has led and assisted the service in “just about every part” of its operations, including: 

• Leading a very successful assessment and rating where Hampton were rated Exceeding in all areas
• Assisting in the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan
• Fundraising and contributing to the kindergarten’s 80th Birthday celebration
• Leading staff and the committee through much change as Hampton moved to 15 hours of three-year-old kindergarten and a rotational four-year-old group
• Setting up a charitable building fund
• Helping out with the beach kinder program
• Managing service documentation
• Fostering inclusivity
• Building connections with local schools
• Supporting the committee with grant applications
• Undertaking safety audits and much more.

Four other finalists were honoured for their outstanding contribution to their early childhood education and care (ECEC) services:

• Alex and Rob Kent, Ellie V Pullin Preschool, Vic. 
• Andrew Julian, Poets Grove Family and Children’s Centre, Vic. 
• Jason Tonelli, Waverley Meadows Preschool, Vic. 
• Melissa Williamson, Gembrook Preschool, Vic. 

All finalists will be sent a certificate acknowledging their achievement with Ms Sayers receiving $600 in Bunnings vouchers for Hampton Community Kindergarten plus a $100 Readings book voucher for herself to enjoy. The four runners up each received a $50 Readings book voucher.

ELAA thanked all the services who nominated their volunteers making 2023 a record year for nominations. 

The organisation also acknowledged the “brilliant work done by volunteers in the ECEC sector every day – your enthusiasm, commitment and contribution make all the difference to the children and staff in your services and deserve to be celebrated.”

ELAA also shared its appreciation to hardware and garden supplies partner, Bunnings Trade, for their contribution to the winner’s prize and “a massive shout out” to preferred recruitment partner, anzuk Education for sponsoring these awards.