Gallery - HESTA Aged Care Awards

The HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards recognise the front-line educators and carers at the very heart of Australia's early childhood education system.

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Key dates

Nominations open: 17 March 2026 - 7 June 2026   |   Finalists  announced: 1 September  2026   |   Winners announced: 2 October 2026

 

Educator helping child to put on shoes

A story worth celebrating

These awards celebrate educators and carers at the very heart of Australia’s early childhood education system.

Nominations are now open

2025 Awards presentation

2025 winners were announced in Perth on Friday 3 October, at a dinner hosted by Jo Stanley.

Read about the winners
Awards dinner
Awards dinner MC talking on stage

Prizes

Finalists and winners are celebrated and receive their awards at a dinner held during the 2026 ECA Conference in Melbourne.

Terms and conditions

 

 

Award categories

Advancing Pedagogy & Practice

This award recognises early childhood educators that have significantly advanced early childhood education and care through demonstrating innovation and enhanced outcomes for young children.

Eligibility criteria

Individual Leadership

This award recognises an individual who has delivered high quality education to young children in Australia, making a valued contribution to their profession.

Eligibility criteria

Outstanding Service

Recognises early childhood services that have implemented strategies to improve access and participation for children and families that may otherwise face barriers to accessing early childhood education.

Eligibility criteria
Image of award winner on stage

Recognition

Every person or organisation nominated will receive a certificate in recognition of their contributions.

Terms and conditions

Acknowledgement

Finalists each receive two tickets to attend the Awards dinner.

Terms and conditions
Image of award presentation
Image of winner prize

Reward

Finalists and winners are celebrated and receive their awards at a dinner held during the 2026 ECA Conference in Melbourne.

Terms and conditions

 

 

Winners announced

The 2025 winners were announced on 3 October 2025.

2025 winners

Outstanding Service

Gilgandra Preschool Incorporated was recognised for its innovative, inclusive approach to early childhood education in rural NSW.

Read their story

Individual Leadership

Larissa was recognised for her exceptional leadership in early childhood education, particularly in embedding First Nations perspectives into teaching practices.

Read Larrissa's story

Advancing Pedagogy & Practice

C&K Ascot is recognised for its "Proud to Be Me" initiative, which fosters inclusivity by empowering children aged 3-5 to express their authentic selves, build emotional awareness, and respect diversity.

Read their story

 

The 2025 winners were announced on 3 October 2025 in Melbourne.

Watch the presentations

If you didn't see the live presentations, you can catch up here.
The 2024 HESTA Excellence Awards were streamed live and the recordings are available on our facebook page.

View more photos here

2024 Awards event

Relive the excitement as we reveal the winners of the 2024 HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards.

2023 Awards event