HESTA launches search for Australia's early childhood education champions

The search for Australia's most outstanding early childhood educators is underway with nominations open for the 2026 HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards.

Now in its 12th year, the awards celebrate the dedication and innovation of educators and carers who are shaping the future of Australia's early childhood education system.

Finalists will be nominated across three categories: Advancing Pedagogy & Practice, Individual Leadership, and Outstanding Service, with a prize on offer for the winner of each category.

Employers, colleagues, and community members are encouraged to nominate outstanding early childhood professionals and teams.

HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said the awards provided a platform to acknowledge the drive and commitment of early childhood educators and carers across Australia. 

"These awards recognise the profound impact early childhood educators have on children's development and learning. They provide the opportunity to celebrate their dedication, showcase their innovations, and inspire others in the sector to reimagine what's possible in early childhood education,” Ms Blakey said.

"From developing innovative learning programs to creating more inclusive environments, we see how they are advancing their practice while maintaining their crucial role in laying the foundations for lifelong learning.

“I encourage everyone to take the time to nominate exceptional educators and teams who are making a real difference in their communities and helping shape the future of early education."

For more information on how to nominate and for full award details, visit https://www.hesta.com.au/awards/childhood-education-awards

Nominations close at midnight on Sunday 7 June 2026. Finalists will be announced on Tuesday 1 September 2026, with winners to be revealed at an Awards dinner on Friday 2 October 2026.

 

The 2025 winners were:

Individual Leadership Award: 

Larissa Hayes Monash Vale Early Learning Centre, Clayton VIC 

 

Larissa was recognised for her outstanding efforts in embedding First Nations perspectives into teaching practices, transforming her team’s understanding of cultural safety as well as achieving measurable impacts including increased child engagement and educator confidence.

Advancing Pedagogy and Practice Award:

C&K Ascot Community Kindergarten, Ascot QLD
 

C&K Ascot Community Kindergarten's 'Proud to Be Me' initiative was celebrated for fostering inclusivity and empowering children aged three to five to express their authentic selves, build emotional awareness, and respect diversity. Supported by a collaborative team, it integrated identity affirmation, emotional literacy, and community building. 

Outstanding Service Award: 

Gilgandra Preschool Incorporated, Gilgandra NSW 

 

Gilgandra Preschool Incorporated was recognised for its inclusive and innovative approach to rural early education, offering fully subsidised fees, transport initiatives, onsite therapy, and cultural programs. It prioritised equitable access, fostering resilience, wellbeing, and measurable developmental improvements for children.