Corangamite Shire Council Early Childhood Educator Bree Davis received the Deakin University Pathways Award at her graduation this week.
Bree has completed a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at South West TAFE.
Along with her diploma, she received the $1000 award for showing outstanding qualities in preparing to study a degree at Deakin.
Deakin University offers the award to a South West TAFE Graduate Certificate/Diploma or Diploma graduate.
Born and raised in Cobden, Bree lived in Melbourne, Queensland and Western Australia before moving back moved back to Cobden about eight years ago before her oldest child started kindergarten.
"I was in the throes of motherhood with three young children at home and in a job that wasn't fulfilling," Bree said.
"A traineeship came available through Corangamite Shire in conjunction with South West TAFE and I took a leap, and here we are.
"The teachers were so accommodating and understanding of my work/life/study balance.
"I'd send an email at 10:30 at night and if they weren't up, they'd reply first thing the next morning and they were amazing.
"Working in the environment whilst studying was so beneficial. It helped have a knowledge in practice. As I was moving with the children, I was understanding why the theory was happening at the same time.
"Currently I'm in a permanent part-time position with Corangamite Shire working in child care.
"My plans for the future are to hopefully successfully complete my bachelor of early childhood education and move into a kindergarten program or into an early intervention scene where I can further help families and children.
"I love seeing the growth in children. I love being a part of their story and helping them and their families fit into a new place and transition into something new, which can at times be scary, but it's our job to help them navigate that and support them through that.
South West TAFE Early Childhood Education and Care teacher Natasha Broughill said she was thrilled for Bree to win this year's Deakin Award.
She said Bree completed her Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care with South West TAFE in 2024 and was a dedicated student with a strong commitment to learning.
"Bree's passion for studying was evident in her proactive approach. She was able to apply the gained knowledge into her practices at the service and has grown into a beautiful educator who has shown unconditional passion for working with children," she said.
Council Coordinator Child Care & Family Day Care Michelle Maraldo said: "We couldn't be more proud of Bree.
"She has worked really hard to achieve her diploma and we encourage studying educators to continue on with their studies if that is something they want to do.
"Council offers study leave, onsite mentoring and support from our entire team."
Since 2020, Council's "Grown Our Own" strategy has addressed severe workforce shortages by providing in program traineeships in Certificate III and Diploma.
There have been 27 educators who have been part of the "Grow Our Own" strategy from Certificate III to Bachelor's degree and 25 are still with us.
In 2024, 78 early years educators are employed to work across Council's 13 services.
