Early Childhood Learning and Development Sector Awards Finalists Announced

The finalists of the 2025 WA Early Childhood Learning and Development Sector Awards have been announced by Child Australia, recognising and celebrating the exceptional contributions of individuals and organisations who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to delivering high quality outcomes for children and families in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector in Western Australia.  

Child Australia partners with REED WA, Wanslea, Goodstart, MercyCare, The Y WA, Edutribe (One Tree), and Meerilinga to present the awards, which attract hundreds of nominations from across the state.

“Each nominee deserves recognition, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who dedicated their time to submitting exceptional nominations. By lifting others, we rise together, ” Tina Holtom, Child Australia’s CEO said.

The independent judging panel, composed of professionals from diverse fields including tertiary education, had the difficult task of selecting 24 finalists from an impressive number of nominations, highlighting the outstanding talent within the ECEC sector across WA. 

Winners will be announced and honoured at the exclusive awards ceremony being held on the evening of Friday, 7th March at Optus Stadium, Perth.  

“Early Childhood educators play such an important role in positive early childhood development and building the foundation for our children’s wellbeing and success,” WA Early Childhood Education Minister Sabine Winton said.

“The Cook Government acknowledges their invaluable contribution to our community, and I congratulate each and every nominee for their outstanding work and dedication. Our Government is proud to support these awards.” 

In addition to the honor of being recognised, each finalist will receive four tickets to the prestigious awards evening, complimentary entry to the Early Childhood Learning & Development (ECLD) Conference, and a cash reward of $500. The winners will be awarded a total cash prize of $1,500. 

The 2025 WA ECLD Sector Awards are proudly supported by the Department of Communities, Xplor Education, CTAS Education, and Australian Child Care Career Options Pty Ltd as sponsors.

A full list of finalists appears below. To purchase tickets to the Early Childhood Learning & Development (ECLD) Conference use the link provided. Tickets for the awards event are available here. 

Outstanding Early Childhood Educator Award Finalists – Sponsored by REED WA

• Leanna Holland – Goodstart Early Learning Eaton 
• Ciara Conran – Kidz Galore 
• Sunita Cheryan – Wanslea St Peter and Emmaus

Family’s Choice – Outstanding Educator Award Finalists – Sponsored by Goodstart

• Naomi Anderson – Brockman House Children’s Services 
• Petina Nightingale – Ngala Airport
• Belle Bombardieri – Aussie Early Learning 

Excellence in ECEC Leadership Award Finalists – Sponsored by Edutribe (One Tree)

• Jade Paget – Meerilinga Children and Community Services Ballajura
• Rista Chutoo – Buttercups Childcare and Early Learning Centre Northbridge
• Hayley Couch – Busy Bees at Byford Central

Service excellence in Partnerships with Families, Communities and Schools Award Finalists – Sponsored by  The Y WA

• Brockman Community House
• Buttercups Childcare and Early Learning Centre Northbridge
• Meerilinga Children and Community Services Kingsley

Excellence in Best Practise Award Finalists – Sponsored by CTAS Education

• Sally Whitaker – Leederville Early Childhood Centre
• Carmen Castillo-Cortez – Goodstart Early Learning Carlisle
• Lynne Scotland – Goodstart Early Learning Banksia Grove

Excellence in Supporting Child Development Award Finalists – Sponsored by MercyCare

• Ifeoma Ikejiaku – Goodstart Early Learning Mount Nasura
• Pooja Aren – Wanslea Susan Teather Early Learning and Development
• MercyCare Early Learning Service Ballajura

Outstanding Commitment to Reconciliation and Cultural Responsiveness Award Finalists –  Sponsored by Wanslea

• Clarrissa Bennett – Goodstart Early Learning Canning Vale
• Canning Vale PreKindy
• Goodstart Early Learning Stratton

Excellence in Outdoor Learning Award Finalists – Sponsored by Xplor Education

• Tammy Dodd – MercyCare Early Learning Centre Landsdale
• Gillian McAuliffe – Nature’s Atelier
• Eco Early Learning and Bush Kinder