Finalists announced for 2025 NT Education and Care Awards

The Northern Territory Government has announced the finalists for the 2025 NT Education and Care Awards, celebrating excellence across early childhood education and care (ECEC) and outside school hours care (OSHC) services throughout the Territory.

Now in its 12th year, the annual awards recognise the dedication, leadership and innovation of educators, teachers, programs and services delivering high-quality education and care to Northern Territory children.

Finalists have been announced across five award categories, with winners to be revealed at a ceremony on Friday 10 October 2025.

Outstanding Aboriginal Educator (Sponsored by Goodstart Early Learning)

• Annika Rory – Moriarty Foundation
• Madison Lampton – Haileybury Rendall Early Learning Centre
• Patricia Campbell – Milikapiti Preschool

Outstanding Early Childhood Teacher (Sponsored by Kentish Community Services)

• Tracy Bond – Humpty Doo Preschool
• Kyria Chapman – Yarralin School
• Emily Ross – Ngukurr School

Outstanding Educator (Sponsored by Industry Skills Advisory Council NT)

• Marie Renee Antoinette Valerien-Lajoie – YMCA Little Mangoes Child Care Centre
• Emma McFarlane – Creative Kids Childcare Centre Howard Springs
• Tania Timu – Tangentyere Council

Outstanding Leader (Sponsored by Catholic Education NT)

• Rachael Sheppard – Kentish Community Services
• Renee Whiteman – One Tree Wadeye Children and Family Centre
• Dawn Davey – Goodstart Early Learning Tiwi

Outstanding Education and Care Program (Sponsored by Charles Darwin University)

• Families as First Teachers Program, Mimik-ga Centre
• Yarralin Preschool
• Kentish Early Learning Centre Tennant Creek

The awards showcase the high calibre of educators and programs across the NT and highlights the vital role the ECEC sector plays in supporting children, families and communities particularly in regional and remote settings.

For more information, visit the Northern Territory Government Education and Care Awards page.