Nominations open for the 2024 HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards

Nominations are now open for the prestigious 2024 HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards, a highlight of the early childhood education and care (ECEC) calendar. 

Now in their tenth year, the Awards recognise those ‘at the very heart’ of the ECEC sector, and offer a $30,000 prize pool, the winners of which will be announced at a Gala Awards Dinner in Brisbane in September. 

Making a nomination for the awards, HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said, is a great way to acknowledge the work of professionals within the early childhood sector.

“Early childhood educators play a pivotal role in shaping the future and nurturing the minds and hearts of our youngest learners. It’s wonderful that the HESTA awards can provide a platform to recognise early childhood educators and their vital work,” Ms Blakey said. 

“I encourage everyone to think about an early childhood educator they could put forward for national recognition and take the time to nominate. Their dedication, passion, and professionalism deserve recognition and celebration.” 

An independent judging panel made up of ECEC sector experts will select finalists and choose the winner for each category.  

Anyone involved in the delivery of these services can nominate, or be nominated, across three categories, including Advancing Pedagogy & Practice, Individual Leadership and Outstanding Service. Employers, colleagues, and the community are also encouraged to nominate.

The three winners will each take home $10,000 – donated by longstanding Awards supporter ME – to be used for personal or professional development or further development of processes or services in the workplace.

BOQ Group Executive of Retail Banking Greg Boyle said the bank was proud to sponsor the HESTA Awards program.

“At ME, we take immense pride in endorsing these awards that honour the remarkable dedication and achievements of Australia’s early childhood educators and carers. Those in this sector are shaping Australia’s future generations, giving our children the best opportunities to realise their potential,” he said.

Nominations close at midnight AEST on 16 June 2024. To make a nomination, or for more information, please see here.