Child Australia hosted the 2025 WA Early Childhood Learning and Development (ECLD) Sector Awards with support of partners REED WA, Wanslea, Goodstart, MercyCare, The Y WA, Meerilinga, EduTribe, at the Optus Stadium on Friday 7 March 2025.
The awards ceremony served as a stage to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations dedicated to enhancing outcomes for children and families in the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Sector.
“Now in its third year, the Sector Awards continue to gain momentum — and this year was no exception. With over 200 nominations, the response was extraordinary. It’s truly inspiring to witness so many exceptional professionals recognised by their peers and celebrated by leaders across our sector,” stated Tina Holtom, CEO of Child Australia.
A total of 24 finalists were selected from 8 award categories to honour individuals who have made notable contributions to the ECEC sector. The event gathered over 250 attendees, who shared inspiring stories throughout the evening.
An independent panel of judges, made up of experts in Tertiary Education, independent training organisations, and leading consultants in the sector, faced the difficult challenge of determining the winners.
In addition to the recognition that these awards provide, winners received tickets to the Early Childhood Learning and Development Conference along with a cash prize of $1,500. Second and third place winners also went home with tickets to the ECLD conference and a cash prize of $500.
The Awards were proudly presented by our main sponsor the Department of Communities, partners REED WA, Wanslea, Goodstart, MercyCare, The Y WA, Meerilinga, EduTribe, and sponsors CTAS, Xplor and ACCCO.
Ms. Holtom stated, “These Awards shine a light on the incredible individuals who go above and beyond in our sector. It’s so wonderful to have events like this that honour the sector’s finest, those who lead with heart, commitment, and impact. The Awards are so much more than just a celebration; they inspire emerging educators and remind us all of what’s possible when we work together to improve outcomes for children.”
“I am proud to support initiatives that recognise the importance of Early Childhood Education and celebrate the exceptional individuals and organisations in the sector. I commend the educators and leaders that are shaping the future for our children”, said Early Childhood Minister Sabine Winton.
The 2025 WA ECLD Sector Award Winners
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Ciara Conron
Ciara Conron is the current Educational Leader at Kidz Galore, West Perth. Her passion for our sector is shown through her dedication to advocacy work. She brings a Western Australian perspective to the forefront on issues that impact our children, families and colleagues, striving to constantly seek better outcomes for children.
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Belle Bombardieri
Belle Bombardieri from Aussie Early Learning has clearly touched the lives of families. Her exceptional communication skills and engagement with families, who highly commend her dedication, have earned her this award. She ensures that each child’s unique learning style and interests are considered when planning a dynamic, child-led curriculum that incorporates family ideas and addresses their needs.
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Jade Paget
Jade Paget is currently the Educational Leader at Meerilinga Children and Community Service in Ballajura. Jades devotion to continuous improvement through evidence based and strength focused strategies has enabled her to grow a strong team that are dedicated to positive change and constantly reflecting on innovations and contemporary practices.
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Buttercups Childcare, Northbridge
Buttercups Childcare in Northbridge pride themselves on the diversity that comes from within and extends to not only their service but also their local community.
Many great initiatives have been instrumental in fostering positive cultural connections such as forming an ongoing relationship with the Indonesian Consulate, an Oral Health promotion in collaboration with UWA and introducing the children to local heroes who live among us and are dedicated to improving our lives.
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Sally Whitaker
Sally Whitaker, the Educational Leader at Leederville Early Learning Centre, identified the difficulties educators faced in interpreting children’s play behaviours.
This prompted research into schemas and numerous discussions and reflections following months of professional development.
The implementation and comprehension of SchemaPlay have significantly deepened educators’ understanding and revitalized the learning environment at the centre.
The service has also extended invitations to share their understandings with others within the sector.
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Mercy Care Ballajura
Mercy Care Ballajura have demonstrated and outstanding commitment to children and families with inclusion support needs.
The team is skilled at identifying developmental delays and working collaboratively with allied health professionals consistently to reduce appointment burdens and align practices within the service to provide a seamless approach to inclusion for both families and children.
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Canning Vale PreKindy
Canning Vale PreKindy journey to reconciliation began over a decade ago and has not only had a positive impact on their own community but that of the wider community as well.
They have used music as a medium to embed cultural acceptance and inclusion and their example has been used as inspiration to others.
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Gillian McAuliffe at Nature’s Atelier
Gillian McAuliffe at Nature’s Atelier located on 16 hectares in the beautiful region of Vasse has created a learning environment that defines the true meaning of an outdoor classroom.
Children are exposed to an ever changing environment, as the seasons change so do the opportunities for teaching and learning and children are supported to nurture and care for the living environment.
