Harmony Early Learning holds awards gala for more than 600 on the Gold Coast 

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider Harmony Early Learning has held a gala awards event on Queensland’s Gold Coast to celebrate educators, leaders and support office staff across 19 award categories, including several new ones introduced this year to reflect the organisation’s continued growth.

More than 600 attendees gathered at The Star on 23 November 2024 for an evening of celebration which included celebrity performers, recognition and entertainment, which Harmony Managing Director Gabrielle Giufre described as “a spectacular night that recognised the incredible individuals who make Harmony what it is.”

“Their talent and passion drive everything we achieve as an organisation, and the awards gala celebrated both individual accomplishments and what we’ve achieved together as a team,” she said. 

The theme for the evening was A luxurious affair inspired by Italian coastal nights, designed to evoke a sense of opulence and escapism. The design and imaging of the event was “sunset hues, indulgent gourmet delights, and golden twilight.”

Guests were treated to a performance designed by internationally known choreographer Kate Worland which blended the elegance of Italian outdoor theatre with the “magical awakening of a garden,” captivating the audience with “vibrant colours and enchanting narratives” and including a solo performance by Cassie McIvor, a talented vocalist, former contestant on The Voice and singer who is known for her powerful voice and emotive performances.

Entertainment for the evening, she continued, was carefully chosen to “reflect the extraordinary talent within our team and to express our appreciation for the incredible work they do.”

Five new categories were introduced in the 2024 Awards including Award of Excellence and Environments Excellence. 

“The addition of these new award categories represents how far we have come as an organisation, highlighting emerging roles and areas of distinction that have flourished as we have,” Ms Giufre noted.

“The Environments Excellence award holds special significance as it recognises an individual who truly embodies our ethos of creating aesthetic environments that support learning and evoke wellbeing, which is a philosophy we deeply invest in.

The 2024 Harmony Awards honoured Bahrs Scrub with Glow Up of the Year, an award celebrating a centre that has undergone remarkable transformation and growth, while Hope Island was named Centre of the Year for the second year in the awards’ four year history. 

In the past 12 months Harmony has expanded with a new Helensvale based headquarters, six new centres in its network, and added over 200 new team members, as well as welcoming founders Chris and Gabrielle Giufre back as joint Managing Directors.

Harmony currently educates and cares for more than 3,000 children, and has a team of over 800 educators and support staff, operating 21 early learning centres across Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales. 

For further information about Harmony Early Education, visit https://harmonylearning.com.au/