HESTA awards honour early childhood champions shaping Australia’s future

Three trailblazers in early childhood education and care have been recognised for their outstanding leadership, innovation and service at the 2025 HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards.

 

Held in Perth on 6 October 2025, the national awards celebrated the achievements of educators and services that are making a lasting difference in the lives of children, families and communities across Australia.

 

This year’s winners, Larissa Hayes from Monash Vale Early Learning Centre in Victoria, C&K Ascot Community Kindergarten in Queensland and Gilgandra Preschool Incorporated in New South Wales stood out among around 250 nominees.

 

HESTA CEO Debby Blakey commended all finalists for their exceptional dedication to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments.

 

Each winner received $10,000 in prize money, supported by long-time awards sponsor ME, part of the BOQ Group. The funds can be used for professional development or service improvement initiatives.

 

Individual Leadership Award

 

Larissa Hayes – Monash Vale Early Learning Centre, Clayton, Victoria

 

 

Ms Hayes was recognised for her outstanding leadership in embedding First Nations perspectives into early learning environments. Through community partnerships, professional development and resource creation, she has strengthened cultural safety, boosted educator confidence and increased child engagement.

 

“I feel humbled to win a HESTA award. It reflects the collective effort of our team and the Boonwurrung community in creating a culturally inclusive learning environment,” Ms Hayes said. 

 

“This acknowledgment also validates the importance of embedding First Nations perspectives in early learning and highlights the impact early education has on shaping future generations’ respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

 

The prize money will contribute to sector-wide knowledge sharing and further development of the centre’s cultural curriculum, including the Bundjil book series which features Boonwurrung stories and seasonal knowledge.

 

Advancing Pedagogy & Practice Award

 

C&K Ascot Community Kindergarten – Ascot, Queensland

 

 

The service was celebrated for its ‘Proud to Be Me’ initiative, which encourages children aged three to five to express their identities, understand emotions and value diversity. The program integrates emotional literacy and identity affirmation into daily practice, supporting inclusive pedagogy and strong community engagement.

 

Teacher Director Karina Hannan-Lopez said the recognition affirmed the value of their work.

 

“This recognition fills us with hope, hope that the foundations we lay for children today will inspire brighter futures tomorrow. It also encourages us to continue breaking new ground, to explore new ways of teaching gender equity, and to embrace innovative practices that enrich children’s learning and development,” Mrs Hannan-Lopez said.

 

The award funds will be used to develop nature-based play spaces that encourage creativity and deepen children’s connection with the natural world.

 

Outstanding Service Award

 

Gilgandra Preschool Incorporated – Gilgandra, New South Wales

 

 

Recognised for its inclusive, community-led approach to rural education, Gilgandra Preschool provides fully subsidised fees, transport support, onsite therapy and cultural programs. The service supports equitable access and delivers measurable improvements in children’s wellbeing and development.

 

Preschool Director Kristy Hyndes said the recognition was a powerful affirmation of the team’s mission.

 

“Being recognised as a winner is both a tremendous honour and a powerful affirmation of our team’s work, commitment, and heart. For a small rural community service, it reflects how genuine relationships, strategic inclusion, and deep respect for children, culture, and community can lead to transformative outcomes,” Ms Hyndes said.

 

 “This recognition validates our belief that quality early education should be accessible for every child, regardless of where they live, their background, or their needs.”

 

The preschool will use the funds to expand its Bush Preschool, cultural programs and early intervention efforts, while continuing to share its learnings across the sector.

 

HESTA is one of the largest superannuation funds dedicated to Australia’s health and community services sector. An industry fund that’s run only to benefit members, HESTA now has more than one million members (around 80% of whom are women) and currently manages approximately $100 billion* in assets invested around the world.