Child Australia is thrilled to announce the finalists for the 2025 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 in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector in WA.
“Alongside partners REED WA, Wanslea, Goodstart, MercyCare, The Y WA, Edutribe (One Tree), 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. By lifting others, we rise together, ” said Tina Holtom, Child Australia’s CEO.
The independent judging panel had the difficult task of selecting 24 finalists from an impressive number of nominations, highlighting the outstanding talent within the ECEC sector across WA. Consisting of esteemed professionals from diverse fields, including Tertiary Education and Registered Training Organisations, the panel worked meticulously to finalise the list of nominees.
Winners will be announced and honoured at the exclusive awards ceremony being held on the evening of Friday, 7th March at Optus Stadium, Perth.
“Early Childhood educators play such an important role in positive early childhood development and building the foundation for our children’s wellbeing 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.
Our Government is proud to support these awards,” said Early Childhood Education Minister Sabine Winton.
In addition to the honor of being recognised, each finalist will receive four tickets to the prestigious awards evening, complimentary entry to the Early Childhood Learning & Development (ECLD) Conference, and a cash reward of $500. The winners will be awarded a total cash prize of $1,500.
The 2025 WA ECLD Sector Awards are proudly supported by the Department of Communities, Xplor Education, CTAS Education, and Australian Child Care Career Options Pty Ltd as sponsors. We are also honoured to partner with sponsors REED WA, Wanslea, Goodstart, MercyCare, The Y WA, Edutribe (One Tree), and Meerilinga.
Announcing the awards finalists per category
Outstanding Early Childhood Educator Award Finalists
Sponsored by REED WA
Leanna Holland | Goodstart Early Learning Eaton |
Ciara Conran | Kidz Galore |
Sunita Cheryan | Wanslea St Peter and Emmaus |
Family’s Choice – Outstanding Educator Award Finalists
Sponsored by Goodstart
Naomi Anderson | Brockman House Children’s Services |
Petina Nightingale | Ngala Airport |
Belle Bombardieri | Aussie Early Learning |
Excellence in ECEC Leadership Award Finalists
Sponsored by Edutribe (One Tree)
Jade Paget | Meerilinga Children and Community Services Ballajura |
Rista Chutoo | Buttercups Childcare and Early Learning Centre Northbridge |
Hayley Couch | Busy Bees at Byford Central |
Service excellence in Partnerships with Families, Communities and Schools Award Finalists
Sponsored by The Y WA
Brockman Community House |
Buttercups Childcare and Early Learning Centre Northbridge |
Meerilinga Children and Community Services Kingsley |
Excellence in Best Practise Award Finalists
Sponsored by CTAS Education
Sally Whitaker | Leederville Early Childhood Centre |
Carmen Castillo-Cortez | Goodstart Early Learning Carlisle |
Lynne Scotland | Goodstart Early Learning Banksia Grove |
Excellence in Supporting Child Development Award Finalists
Sponsored by MercyCare
Ifeoma Ikejiaku | Goodstart Early Learning Mount Nasura |
Pooja Aren | Wanslea Susan Teather Early Learning and Development |
Centre Nomination | MercyCare Early Learning Service Ballajura |
Outstanding Commitment to Reconciliation and Cultural Responsiveness Award Finalists
Sponsored by Wanslea
Clarrissa Bennett | Goodstart Early Learning Canning Vale |
Centre Nomination | Canning Vale PreKindy |
Centre Nomination | Goodstart Early Learning Stratton |
Excellence in Outdoor Learning Award Finalists
Sponsored by Xplor Education
Centre Nomination | MercyCare Early Learning Centre Landsdale |
Gillian McAuliffe | Nature’s Atelier |
Centre Nomination | Eco Early Learning and Bush Kinder |