Australia's top early childhood educators and services were revealed last night during the COVID-safe virtual celebrations for the 2021 HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards.
The Winanga-Li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre was named 'Outstanding Organisation' for their work to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and families experiencing disadvantage, while City of Canterbury Bankstown's Karen Roberts received the 'Individual Leadership' accolade for her many years spent championing children's rights.
Lilyfield Early Learning Centre received the 'Advancing Pedagogy and Practice' award for their innovative early learning approach that empowers children to have a voice, including through a junior Parliamentary process.
HESTA CEO Debby Blakey congratulated the winners, all hailing from New South Wales, for their innovation and drive to creating inclusive learning environments where children can thrive.
"The passion and dedication these early childhood educators demonstrate every day is crucial for setting the next generation of young Australians up for success," Ms Blakey said.
"These professionals are the unsung heroes and I am so pleased HESTA can help recognise their contributions and share their stories through the Awards program. Well done to the winners, finalists and all those who took the time to fill out a nomination."
The three winners each took home $10,000 in prize money, generously provided by longstanding Awards sponsor ME – the bank for you.
ME CEO Adam Crane said the bank was proud to celebrate the deserving winners.
"Their consistent display of outstanding leadership in early education and care goes above and beyond, helping every child receive a quality early education," Mr Crane said.
