Queensland’s early childhood teachers and educators honoured at 2026 C&K Awards 

Outstanding teachers and educators from across Queensland have been recognised at the 2026 C&K Awards, celebrating innovation, leadership and excellence in early childhood education and care. 

Presented during the 2026 C&K Conference in Brisbane, this year’s awards embraced the theme of Joy in Action, recognising the extraordinary ways teachers and educators make a lasting difference in the lives of children, families and communities. 

C&K Chief Executive Officer, Dr Sandra Cheeseman, said the awards showcased the exceptional practice taking place in early childhood services across Queensland. 

"Every day, C&K teachers and educators change children's lives through the relationships they build, the environments they create and the expertise they bring to their practice," Dr Cheeseman said. 

"These award winners represent the very best of our profession. Their commitment to continually improving outcomes for children, supporting families and strengthening their communities is inspiring, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements." 

Dr Cheeseman said the awards also provided an important opportunity to recognise the professionalism and expertise of the early childhood workforce. 

“Our workforce is made up of highly skilled professionals whose expertise, creativity and leadership shape children's learning and development every day.” 

The awards recognised individuals and teams across six categories, highlighting initiatives that strengthen inclusion, inspire curiosity, build community connections and create lasting impact for children. 
 

Inspiring Impact Award 
C&K Middlemount Community Childcare Centre Director, Jackie Bulst, won the Inspiring Impact Award for securing innovative housing solutions that strengthened educator recruitment and retention in the region.  

Curious Mindset Award 
C&K Flagstone Community Kindergarten won the Curious Mindset Award for empowering children to explore risk, safety and problem-solving through inquiry-led learning.  

Playful Pedagogy Award 
Lowood & District Community Kindergarten won the Playful Pedagogy Award for transforming one child's communication journey into an innovative storytelling and filmmaking project that amplified children's voices.  

Reconciliation in Action Award 
C&K Woodford Community Kindergarten won the Reconciliation in Action Award for embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives through meaningful partnerships with Jinibara Elders and community.  

Emeritus Professor Dr Mary Mahoney AO Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education and Care 
C&K Deception Bay North Community Kindergarten were recognised for their team’s relationship-based approach that has created a strong culture where children and families feel genuinely seen, heard and valued. 

C&K CEO Award 

Five individuals were recognised with the 2026 C&K CEO Award for their leadership and outstanding practice: 

• Krystal Sisson, C&K Arnwood Place Community Childcare Centre 
• Sue Taylor, C&K Flagstone Community Kindergarten 
• Jackie Bulst, C&K Parkhurst Childcare Centre 
• Jillian Rosson, C&K Robinson Road Childcare Centre 
• Carol Ruskin, C&K Coolum Community Childcare. 

The 2026 C&K Awards were proudly supported by HESTA, Winc Education and ECE Learning Unlimited. 

Established in 1907, C&K is Queensland's largest not-for-profit provider of early childhood education and care and always puts children first. With more than 320 kindergartens and childcare centres across Queensland, C&K strives to deliver high-quality, inclusive education and care that helps every child flourish.