On behalf of collaborating partners, Child Australia is thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2024 WA Early Childhood Learning and Development (ECLD) Sector Awards.
The awards serve as a platform to recognise and celebrate the exceptional contributions of individuals and organisations who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to delivering high quality outcomes for children and families.
“Alongside collaborating partners REED WA, Wanslea, Goodstart, MercyCare, The Y WA and Meerilinga, we’re excited to announce these exceptional finalists from hundreds of nominations from across the state. Each nominee deserves recognition, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who dedicated their time to submitting exceptional nominations. We rise in lifting others, so it was wonderful to see the significant increase in nominations this year” said Tina Holtom, Child Australia’s CEO.
The independent judging panel faced a challenging task in narrowing down 24 finalists from the overwhelming number of nominations received, reflecting the exceptional talent within the ECEC Sector throughout WA.
Comprised of respected individuals from various sectors, including Tertiary Education and Registered Training Organisations, the independent judging panel worked diligently to reach the final list of nominees.
Winners will be announced and congratulated by the Hon. Sabine Winton MLA, Minister for Early Childhood Education at the awards ceremony being held on the evening of Saturday 4th May at the Pan Pacific Hotel Perth.
“Early Childhood workers play such an important role in positive early childhood development and building the foundation for our children’s well-being and success. The Cook Government acknowledges their invaluable contribution to our community, and I congratulate each and every nominee for their outstanding work and dedication. The Cook Government is proud to support these awards”, said Early Childhood Education Minister Sabine Winton.
In addition to the honour of being recognised, finalists will each receive tickets to the prestigious awards evening, complimentary entry to the Early Childhood Learning & Development (ECLD) Immersion Unplugged professional learning experience, and cash rewards. Winners will also be awarded an additional $1,500 cash prize.
The 2024 WA ECLD Sector Awards are proudly sponsored by the Department of Communities, collaborating partners, and newcomers Insight Education, Save Our Service and SNAICC.
Announcing the awards finalists per category
Outstanding Early Childhood Educator Award
Ruta Zegeye | Leederville Early Childhood Centre |
Lisa Humphreys | Meerilinga Children and Community Services Beechboro |
Laura Van Duin | North Fremantle School of Early Learning |
Excellence in ECEC Leadership Award
Donna Carey | Flying Start DC |
Ana Hooper | Sparx Early Learning Centre |
Kelli Gander | Ruth Landau Harp Early Learning |
Service excellence in Partnerships with Families, Communities and Schools Award
Goodstart Early Learning Bertram | |
Brooke Maynard | One Tree Millars Well Children’s Service |
Goodstart Early Learning Girrawheen |
Excellence in Best Practice Award
Canningvale PreKindy |
Meerilinga Woodvale Early Learning Program |
Goodstart Early Learning Ballajura |
Excellence in Supporting Child Development Award
Goodstart Early Learning Baldivis |
Goodstart Early Learning Warnbro |
Goodstart Early Learning Port Kennedy |
Outstanding Commitment to Reconciliation and Cultural Responsiveness Award
Goodstart Early Learning Perth Kaadidjiny Maya |
Meerilinga Beechboro Early Learning Program |
Goodstart Early Learning Parmelia |
Excellence in Outdoor Learning Award
Lisa Vreeken | Canning Vale PreKindy |
Mamta Nair | Eco Early Learning and Bush Kinder – Langford Campus |
Kristen McPhail | Pachamama Early Education and Childcare |
The WA ECEC Recognition Award
Chloe Taylor | Nido Early School Baldivis East |
Rosina Mastrolembo | Brockman Community Centre |
Rachael Vessey-Scott | Curtin University Early Learning Centre |