Aspire Early Education and Kindergarten – Zoo Do 2025 staff celebration

In a year where the early education sector has faced intense public discussion, scrutiny, and pressure, Aspire Early Education and Kindergarten wanted to pause and recognise the people at the centre of it all: the educators, leaders, and teams who show up every day for children and families. Zoo Do 2025 was created with that purpose in mind, a day grounded in appreciation, connection, and community.

Rather than a traditional formal event, Aspire chose a setting that allowed staff to relax, reconnect, and rediscover a sense of playfulness. The day encouraged educators to step away from the demands of their daily routines and experience something that felt uplifting and genuinely people focused. Colleagues reconnected, teams celebrated one another, and many shared moments of joy that reminded them why they chose this profession.

Every element of the day reflected Aspire’s core values of excellence, community, creativity, joy, and respect. Interactive experiences encouraged meaningful conversations, the sharing of stories, and the recognition of everyday contributions that often go unnoticed. The intention was not to create a spectacle, but to create space, space for gratitude, for belonging, and for recognising the heart and humanity of early education.

Zoo Do was one part of Aspire’s broader commitment to valuing and supporting its people throughout the year. This commitment extends far beyond a single day, through ongoing professional development, leadership pathways, wellbeing initiatives, and practical support for centre teams. The celebration simply highlighted what already sits at the centre of the organisation: a genuine respect for the people who shape children’s early learning experiences.

At a time when the sector is working collectively to rebuild trust and strengthen its workforce, Aspire believes that recognising educators in a sincere, grounded way is essential. Zoo Do 2025 was created in that spirit, not as a showcase, but as a thank you. A moment to remind our teams that they matter, their work matters, and that they are part of a community that sees and values them.

We welcomed the opportunity to share this story with the sector, not as a focus on an event itself, but as a reflection of what it means to honour the people who carry forward the mission of early childhood education every day.

Quote – Sam (CEO)

“Our educators and centre teams carry an extraordinary responsibility, and they do it with heart, professionalism, and dedication every single day. Zoo Do was simply our way of saying thank you. Not with fanfare, but with sincerity. The most powerful part of the day was seeing people reconnect, laugh, and feel proud of the work they do. That sense of community is what truly defines Aspire.”

Quote – Simone (Head of Strategy and Growth)

“In a sector that has faced so much pressure and public scrutiny, it felt important to create a moment that reminded our teams of the meaning and purpose behind early education. Zoo Do was never about an event; it was about giving our people space to feel valued and seen. Their joy, their connection, their stories – that is the heart of Aspire, and it is what we will continue to champion.”

Quote – Kylie (Head of Operations)

“Our educators are the backbone of our centres, and their care shapes the first experiences children have in learning and community. Zoo Do gave us an opportunity to pause and appreciate them, not just for what they do, but for who they are. Watching teams come together with such warmth and pride reinforced something we already know: when people feel supported and respected, children and families benefit too.”