Nominations now open for 2025 NT Education and Care Awards

Educators and services across the Northern Territory are being recognised for their dedication and impact as nominations open for the annual NT Education and Care Awards.

Early childhood educators, teachers, leaders and services across the Northern Territory are being recognised for their contributions to quality learning, innovation and community engagement as part of this year’s NT Education and Care Awards.

Established by the NT Department of Education in 2013 and delivered in partnership with Child Australia and Early Childhood Australia, the awards showcase excellence in the sector and promote the professionalism and impact of educators and services throughout the Territory.

Nominations are open until 13 June 2025, with the awards ceremony to be held on 10 October 2025. Finalists will be celebrated at the 2025 Little People Big Dreams Conference, taking place the following day in Darwin.

Celebrating innovation, inclusion and commitment

The 2025 awards include one service-level category and four individual categories, each acknowledging the diverse and critical roles educators play in supporting the development of Territory children.

This year’s Outstanding Education and Care Program Award focuses on the theme of inclusion, engagement and participation. The category is open to services across long day care, family day care, preschool, outside school hours care, playgroups and other early learning programs, including those operating in remote and very remote communities.

The winning service will receive a $2,000 prize to support professional development, a commemorative award, and two free registrations to the Little People Big Dreams Conference. Finalists will receive framed certificates and be recognised at the event.

Awards for individuals making a difference

There are four individual award categories open to educators working in both regulated and unregulated settings, supporting children from birth to five years (or up to 12 years in OSHC programs):

• Outstanding Educator – For those holding or working towards an approved certificate or diploma who demonstrate exceptional commitment and skill.
• Outstanding Aboriginal Educator – For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators who show dedication to learning, community and quality outcomes for children.
• Outstanding Early Childhood Teacher – For teachers with ACECQA-approved qualifications who consistently deliver quality practice and positive learning outcomes.
• Outstanding Leader – For educators in leadership roles with more than three years’ experience, recognised for exceptional leadership and continuous quality improvement.

Winners in each individual category will receive a $1,500 prize for professional development, a trophy and recognition at the conference. All finalists will also receive a framed certificate.

How to get involved

The awards not only highlight professional excellence but also help build sector capacity and foster networking among Territory educators, operators and stakeholders.

To learn more or submit a nomination, visit the NT Education and Care Awards website.