Nominations now open for 2022 HESTA ECEC Awards

Exceptional early childhood education and care (ECEC) professionals are being sought as nominations open for the 2022 HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards.

The annual awards, which have a prize pool of $30,000, recognise early childhood educators and carers who have demonstrated excellence in improving learning outcomes for children.

Educators have proven themselves to be innovative, adaptable and resilient throughout the recent lockdowns, HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said, noting that making a nomination is an excellent way to celebrate dedicated professionals who work hard to improve the lives of young children and their families.

“Submitting a nomination for these awards is one way we can recognise these individuals and the contributions they make to  enriching and improving a child’s life,” Ms Blakey said.

“We’ve seen more than ever these past few years, just how crucial early childhood educators are. They continued to provide education and childcare services for front line health care professionals and essential workers during the height of the pandemic, demonstrating how vital they are to the prosperity of our communities,” she added.

Employers, colleagues, and the community have until 3 July to nominate individuals and organisations who work with children from birth to eight years of age and who demonstrate innovation, quality improvement and enhanced learning outcomes for young children in a variety of settings, including preschool, long day care, primary school or outside-of-hours care.

HESTA Awards sponsor ME has donated the prize money, with the winner of each of the following categories to receive $10,000 for further education, service, or team development:

• Advancing Pedagogy and Practice, 
• Individual Leadership and 
• Outstanding Organisation.

“The HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards celebrate a group of amazing people, who are committed to Australia’s early childhood education,” ME CEO Martine Jager said, noting the bank’s pride around being involved in the Awards.

“Throughout recent tumultuous times the pandemic has presented, these educators and carers have continued to demonstrate resilience and passion for development and growth of Australia’s next generation,” she said. 

Winners will be announced at an Awards dinner to be held in Canberra on 7 October 2022. For more information or to submit a nomination, visit hestaawards.com.au.