Finalists announced for HESTA’s Early Childhood Education & Care Awards 2025

The awards celebrate and highlight the work of educators and carers at the centre of Australia’s early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector, celebrating those who have demonstrated excellence in improving learning outcomes for children.

 

Six early childhood centres and two early childhood workers from around the country have been named finalists for the 2025 HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards. 

 

The eight finalists each having demonstrated innovation and excellence within the early childhood sector were selected from around 250 nominations, for three categories: Advancing Pedagogy and Practice, Outstanding Service,and Individual Leadership. 

 

HESTA CEO Debby Blakey congratulated the finalists for their achievements and impact on children, families and communities. 

 

“Congratulations to our finalists for their remarkable achievements in shaping the growth, learning and care of future generations during their formative years,” Ms Blakey said. 

 

“HESTA is proud to help recognise the incredible impact these early childhood educators make and their efforts going above and beyond to deliver outstanding care. 

 

“We look forward to celebrating the terrific stories of the finalists at the awards, including a centre recognised for its inclusive programs supporting migrant children and families, an individual recognised for her visionary leadership in fostering inclusive learning environments, and a centre that implemented an innovative Kindness Curriculum.” 

 

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

 

Long-time awards sponsor ME (a subsidiary of Bank of Queensland – BOQ) has provided a total of $30,000 in prize money, to be split equally among the three winners and to be used for professional development or to improve workplace services or processes.  

 

BOQ Group Executive of Retail Banking, Greg Boyle, congratulated each of the finalists and expressed gratitude for their efforts.  

 

“Heartfelt congratulations to this year’s finalists. Representing ME, I express my deep gratitude for your unwavering dedication, fervour and tireless efforts in guiding and fostering Australia’s forthcoming generations,” Mr Boyle said.  

 

The winners will be announced on Friday 3 October 2025.  

 

Introducing the 2025 HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards finalists: 

 

Individual Leadership 

 

Megan Dodds – KU Children’s Services – East Corrimal, NSW 

 

Megan, a visionary leader in early childhood education with over 30 years of experience, integrates attachment theory and frameworks like Circle of Security® to foster inclusive learning. She empowers educators, drives reflective practice, and creates emotionally secure, transformative environments.  

 

Larissa Hayes – Monash Vale Early Learning Centre – Clayton, VIC 

 

Larissa is recognised for her exceptional leadership in early childhood education, particularly in embedding First Nations perspectives into teaching practices. She has transformed her team’s understanding of cultural safety through workshops, community engagement, and resource-building. Her efforts have resulted in measurable impacts, such as increased child engagement and educator confidence.  

 

Advancing Pedagogy & Practice  

 

C&K Ascot Community Kindergarten – Ascot, QLD 

 

C&K Ascot is recognised for its “Proud to Be Me” initiative, fostering inclusivity, empowering children aged 3-5 to express their authentic selves, build emotional awareness, and respect diversity. Supported by a collaborative team, it integrates identity affirmation, emotional literacy, and community building.  

 

East West Childcare Association – Fitzroy, VIC 

 

East West Childcare Association is recognised for their innovative Out-and-About Kinder program, launched in 2017 to expand learning into the local community. The program immerses children in urban environments as active citizens, fostering independence, curiosity, and connection to place.  

 

Salamander Early Education – Salamander Bay, NSW 

 

Salamander Early Education’s Kindness Curriculum fosters empathy, resilience, and gratitude through the mantra “kind thoughts, kind words, and kind actions” across all age groups, educators, families, and the community. Supported by trauma-informed practices, it unites children, educators, and communities, promoting wellbeing, sustainability, and lifelong social-emotional skills.  

 

Outstanding Service 

 

Barrack Heights Community Preschool – Big Fat Smile – Barrack Heights, NSW 

 

Barrack Heights Community Preschool prioritises trauma-informed care and secure relationships and provides tailored support for vulnerable families. Their unique approach fosters emotional safety, social growth, and family connection, providing stability within a disadvantaged demographic.   

 

Gilgandra Preschool Incorporated – Gilgandra, NSW 

 

Gilgandra Preschool Incorporated is recognised for its inclusive, innovative approach to rural early education, offering fully subsidised fees, transport initiatives, onsite therapy, and cultural programs. It prioritises equitable access, fostering resilience, wellbeing, and measurable developmental improvements for children. 

 

Gowrie Docklands Kindergarten – Docklands, VIC 

 

Gowrie Docklands Kindergarten supports migrant families through inclusive programs, educating 150 children weekly, 95% from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds. It fosters belonging, nurtures early learning, and helps families build community while accessing essential services, creating a supportive environment for children and families new to Australia. 

 

Learn more about the HESTA Early Childhood Education and Care Awards here. 

 

Congratulations to all the finalists, and to those who were nominated.