Narrabeen Children’s Centre wins award for children’s wellbeing and health

Northern Beaches Council’s long day care centre has been recognised for a program helping children understand emotions, develop friendships and navigate social challenges.

Narrabeen Children’s Centre on Sydney’s Northern Beaches has won the Excellence in Children’s Wellbeing and Health category at the 2026 Excellence in Early Childhood Education Awards.

The award recognises the centre’s weekly sessions using Kimochi characters and books to support children’s social and emotional development.

More than 850 nominations were received across the awards program, with winners announced at a gala ceremony at Sydney’s Fullerton Hotel.

The not-for-profit long day care centre forms part of Northern Beaches Council’s broader early learning services, which include preschool, long day care and family day care.

According to Northern Beaches Council’s announcement, the Kimochi program uses characters with different personalities to help children explore feelings and relationships.

These include the caring Lovey Dovey, bossy Cat and affectionate but sometimes overbearing Hugtopus.

Through the characters and accompanying books, children are supported to recognise their emotions, express their feelings and develop friendships. The sessions also help children explore ways to manage challenges and build positive relationships before transitioning to school.

The award highlights the centre’s deliberate approach to incorporating emotional development into its educational program through regular learning experiences.

In a council media release, Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins welcomed the recognition of the centre’s work.

Mayor Heins said the program supported children to develop emotional skills that help with their transition to school and ongoing learning.

She also reported that all nine of council’s long day care and preschool services had introduced the emotional development program.

According to the mayor, families have reported that children use techniques from the program to help calm themselves at home, extending its application beyond the early learning setting.

Co-directors Brenda Bainbridge and Brigid Martin, alongside educator Larrys Lao, accepted the award. Council said the centre’s directors received the recognition on behalf of its children and families.

Council also stated that its children’s services follow national reforms supporting children’s rights, curiosity, consent and voice while strengthening child safety.

Narrabeen Children’s Centre is listed by council as rated Exceeding under the National Quality Framework.

The wellbeing award provides separate recognition of the centre’s work to help children understand their feelings and build connections with others.