2025 ECLD Sector Award winners announced

The winners of the 2025 Early Childhood Learning and Development Sector Awards were announced at an exclusive awards ceremony being held on the evening of Friday, 7th March at Optus Stadium, Perth.  

 

Hosted by Child Australia with the support of partners REED WA, Wanslea, Goodstart, MercyCare, The Y WA, Meerilinga, and EduTribe, the awards ceremony at Optus Stadium served as a platform to recognise and celebrate 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.  

 

“Now in its third year, the Sector Awards continue to gain momentum — and this year was no Exception,” Child Australia CEO Tina Holtom said. 

 

“With over 200 nominations, the response was extraordinary. It’s truly inspiring to witness so many exceptional professionals recognised by their peers and celebrated by leaders across our sector.”

 

A total of 24 finalists were selected from 8 award categories designed to honour individuals who have made notable contributions to the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector. Over 250 attendees were present to listen to the inspiring stories of the winners, each of whom was selected by an independent panel of judges, made up of experts in Tertiary Education, independent training organisations, and leading consultants in the sector.

 

In addition to the recognition that these awards provide, winners received tickets to the Early Childhood Learning and Development Conference along with a cash prize of $1,500. Second and third place winners also went home with tickets to the ECLD conference and a cash prize of $500.

 

The Awards were proudly presented by main sponsor the Department of Communities, partners REED WA, Wanslea, Goodstart, MercyCare, The Y WA, Meerilinga, EduTribe, and sponsors CTAS, Xplor and ACCCO.

 

“These Awards shine a light on the incredible individuals who go above and beyond in our sector,” Ms Holtom said. 

 

“It’s so wonderful to have events like this that honour the sector’s finest, those who lead with heart, commitment, and impact. The Awards are so much more than just a celebration; they inspire emerging educators and remind us all of what’s possible when we work together to improve outcomes for children.”

 

A full list of winners, along with a short synopsis of their achievements, appears below: 

 

Outstanding Early Childhood Educator Award: Ciara Conron, Educational Leader at Kidz Galore, West Perth

 

Ms Conron’s passion for ECEC is shown through her dedication to advocacy work. She brings a Western Australian perspective to the forefront on issues that impact children, families and colleagues, striving to constantly seek better outcomes for children.

 

The Family Choice – Outstanding Early Childhood Educator: Belle Bombardieri, Aussie Early Learning

 

Ms Bombardieri has clearly touched the lives of families. Her exceptional communication skills and engagement with families, who highly commend her dedication, earned her this award. She ensures that each child’s unique learning style and interests are considered when planning a dynamic, child-led curriculum that incorporates family ideas and addresses their needs.

 

The Excellence in Leadership award: Jade Paget, Educational Leader at Meerilinga Children and Community Service, Ballajura

 

Ms Paget’s devotion to continuous improvement through evidence based and strength focused strategies has enabled her to grow a strong team that are dedicated to positive change and constantly reflecting on innovations and contemporary practices.

 

The Service Excellence in Partnerships with Families, Communities and School Award: Buttercups Childcare, Northbridge

 

The team from Buttercups Childcare in Northbridge pride themselves on the diversity that comes from within and extends to not only their service but also their local community. Many great initiatives have been instrumental in fostering positive cultural connections such as forming an ongoing relationship with the Indonesian Consulate, an Oral Health promotion in collaboration with UWA and introducing the children to local heroes.

 

The Excellence in Best Practice Award: Sally Whitker, Educational Leader, Leederville Early Learning Centre

 

Ms Whitker identified the difficulties educators faced in interpreting children’s play behaviours which prompted research into schemas and numerous discussions and reflections following months of professional development.

 

The implementation and comprehension of SchemaPlay have significantly deepened educators’ understanding and revitalized the learning environment at the centre. The service has also extended invitations to share their understandings to others within the sector.

 

The Excellence in Supporting Child Development Award: Mercy Care Ballajura

 

Mercy Care Ballajura have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to children and families with inclusion support needs. The team is skilled at identifying developmental delays and working collaboratively with allied health professionals consistently to reduce appointment burdens and align practices within the service to provide a seamless approach to inclusion for both families and children.

 

The Outstanding commitment to Reconciliation and Cultural Responsiveness Award: Canning Vale PreKindy

 

Canning Vale PreKindy’s journey to reconciliation began over a decade ago and has not only had a positive impact on their own community but that of the wider community as well. They have used music as a medium to embed cultural acceptance and inclusion and their example has been used as inspiration for other services. 

 

The Excellence in Outdoor Learning Award: Gillian McAuliffe at Nature’s Atelier

 

Nature’s Atelier is located on 16 hectares in the beautiful region of Vasse, where Ms McAuliffe has created a learning environment that defines the true meaning of an outdoor classroom. Children are exposed to an ever changing learning environment. As the seasons change so do the opportunities for teaching and learning and children are supported to nurture and care for the living environment.

 

Learn more about Child Australia’s upcoming events here.