media release
24 March 2025
HESTA on lookout for Australia's best early childhood educators
This year’s search for Australia’s best early childhood educators has begun, with nominations opening today for the 2025 HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards.
Now approaching its 11th year, the awards recognise the front-line educators and carers at the heart of Australia’s early childhood education system.
Winners will share in a $30,000 prize pool – donated by longstanding HESTA Awards sponsor ME (a subsidiary of Bank of Queensland – BOQ) - to be used for personal or professional development or further development of processes or services in the workplace.
Anyone involved in the delivery of these services can nominate, or be nominated, across three categories, including Advancing Pedagogy & Practice, Individual Leadership and Outstanding Service.
Employers, colleagues, and the community are all encouraged to nominate.
HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said the awards were an opportunity to highlight some of the leading lights in a critical sector for Australian families and the economy.
“Nominating a deserving early childhood professional or team will help shine a spotlight on the remarkable impact they have on the lives of children and families. I encourage anyone considering nominating to take the time to do so,” Ms Blakey said.
“Early childhood educators are essential in nurturing the minds of our youngest learners. Through the annual awards, I’m delighted HESTA can help promote the vital work of early childhood educators.”
BOQ Group Executive of Retail Banking Greg Boyle said the bank was proud to support the HESTA Awards.
“At ME, we are profoundly proud to support these awards that celebrate the extraordinary commitment and accomplishments of Australia’s early childhood educators and carers. The individuals in this sector are moulding the future generations of Australia, providing our children with optimal opportunities to unlock their potential,” he said.
Nominations close at midnight AEST on 15 June 2025. Winners will be announced at an Awards dinner in Perth on 3 October 2025.
The 2024 winners were:
Individual Leadership Award:
Katrina Hendry,
KU Children’s Services,
West Pymble, NSW
Katrina was recognised for her transformative impact on early childhood education, which was shaped by tenure in Gambia, Africa and extensive academic and practical experience. At KU West Pymble Preschool, she fosters active citizenship, promotes sustainability, and inspires educators through continuous professional development and innovative practices.
Advancing Pedagogy and Practice Award:
Goodstart Early Learning Tuggerah,
Tuggerah, NSW
Goodstart Early Learning Tuggerah's innovative Interability program fosters inclusivity, social skills, and empathy through interactions between neurodiverse individuals and children. Overall, the program has positively impacted children, families, educators, neurodivergent participants, and the wider community, fostering a culture of inclusion and support.
Outstanding Service Award:
C&K Walkervale Community Kindergarten,
The Creche and Kindergarten Association, Bundaberg, QLD
C&K Walkervale Community Kindergarten was recognised for its dedication to improving outcomes for First Nations children and families. The team partnered with the Taribelang Aboriginal Corporation to overcome barriers to enrolment and attendance, fostering a culturally safe and inclusive learning environment.
Ends.