HESTA announces Early Childhood Education & Care Award finalists

HESTA has announced the nine national finalists who are in the running for the Advancing Pedagogy and Practice, Outstanding Service, and Individual Leadership categories in the  HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards, which will be presented at a gala dinner in Brisbane on Thursday 19 September 2024.

The awards, which have been running since 2010, recognise the front-line educators and carers at the very heart of Australia’s early childhood education and care (ECEC) system.

An independent judging panel comprising sector representatives reviewed many outstanding nominations to select finalists, who are in the running for a total of $30,000 in prize money, which will be split equally between the three winners and used for professional or team development or to improve workplace services or processes thanks to long time sponsor ME (a subsidiary of Bank of Queensland – BOQ).

“A big congratulations to this year’s finalists. On behalf of ME, I extend my thanks for your dedication, passion, and hard work in guiding and nurturing Australia’s future generations,”  BOQ Group Executive of Retail Banking Greg Boyle said.

The 2024 HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards finalists are as follows:  

Advancing Pedagogy and Practice

Goodstart Early Learning Tuggerah (Tuggerah, NSW) 

Goodstart Early Learning Tuggerah’s innovative Interability program fosters inclusivity, social skills, and empathy through interactions between neurodiverse individuals and Page 2 of 3 children. Overall, the program has positively impacted children, families, educators, neurodivergent participants, and the wider community, fostering a culture of inclusion and support. 

Kulila Indigenous Kindergarten (Toowoomba, QLD)

Kulila Indigenous Kindergarten is recognised for implementing the Learning Language and Loving It™ program, enhancing pedagogy and practice in 2023-2024. The program helped foster a culturally safe, communication-rich environment and positive changes in children’s confidence and interactions. 

PCYC Queensland Annandale Outside School Hours Care (Annandale, QLD) 

Queensland Annandale Outside School Hours Care is recognised for its ‘Cadet Club’ program, which builds confident leaders among children. Successfully trialled at Annandale and rolled out across PCYC Queensland’s OSHC services and clubs, it focusses on social emotional learning and community relationships. 

Outstanding Service

Kindy Patch Clarinda G8 education Ltd (Clarinda, VIC) 

Kindy Patch Clarinda is recognised for its proactive approach to addressing children’s complex developmental needs through close collaboration with families and professional agencies. The centre has adapted its environments and routines to be more inclusive by engaging multilingual team members and fostering collaborations with professional agencies. 

C&K Walkervale Community Kindergarten (Bundaberg, QLD) 

C&K Walkervale Community Kindergarten is recognised for its dedication to improving outcomes for First Nations children and families. The team partnered with the Taribelang Aboriginal Corporation to overcome barriers to enrolment and attendance, fostering a culturally safe and inclusive learning environment. 

Margaret Ives Community Children’s Centre (Norwood, SA) 

Margaret Ives Community Children’s Centre is recognised for its commitment to inclusivity. Its inclusive practices enhance children’s wellbeing, self-esteem, confidence, educational outcomes, strengthens community connections, and increases parental engagement. By fostering a diverse and welcoming environment, the centre makes a meaningful difference in the lives of children, families, and the broader community. 

Individual Leadership

Katrina Hendry KU Children’s Services (West Pymble, NSW) 

Katrina is recognised for her transformative impact on early childhood education, which was shaped by tenure in Gambia, Africa and extensive academic and practical experience. At KU West Pymble Preschool, she fosters active citizenship, promotes sustainability, and inspires educators through continuous professional development and innovative practices. 

Mel Rolls Discovery Early Learning Centres (Burnie, TAS) 

Mel is recognised for her leadership in implementing Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) strategies in Tasmania’s early education sector. Her approach transformed pedagogy, empowering educators to support trauma-affected children and fostering safety, trust, and emotional resilience. 

Jade Paget Meerilinga Children and Community Services (Perth, WA) 

Jade is recognised for fostering continuous improvement and inclusivity at Meerilinga through evidence-based strategies, mentorship, and professional development. Her leadership and reflective practices have significantly impacted educators and children, ensuring a high-quality educational experience. 

HESTA CEO Debby Blakey congratulated the finalists for their exceptional commitment to the early childhood and education sector and for their impact on children, families and the community. 

“Congratulations to all the finalists on their remarkable achievements. Their dedication, passion, and innovative practices are truly inspiring. The work they do to educate, care and develop our future generation is of immense importance for children, families and the broader community,” she said. 

“From building confident young leaders to improving outcomes for First Nations children and families, each finalist has excelled. HESTA is a proud partner of the sector, and we’re thrilled to champion these amazing educators and carers for their vital role in society.”