Child Australia hosted the 2026 WA Early Childhood Learning and Development (ECLD) Sector Awards with support of sponsors and partners Department of Communities, REED WA, Wanslea, Goodstart, The Gowrie WA, Carewest, 1Place, ACCCO and CTAS Education at the University Club of Western Australia on Friday 27 March 2026.
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 fourth year, the Sector Awards continued to gain strong momentum, and this year was no exception. With close to 200 nominations received, the response was extraordinary. It was truly inspiring to see so many exceptional professionals recognised by their peers and celebrated by leaders across the sector” stated Danielle James, Executive Director Practice & Impact 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 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.
Danielle James stated, “These Awards celebrate the passion and dedication that drive our sector forward. It’s incredibly meaningful to come together to recognise those who consistently make a difference through their leadership, care, and commitment. More than a celebration, the Awards create a sense of pride and possibility—encouraging others in the sector to strive for excellence and continue making a lasting impact on the lives of children and families.”
In addition to the recognition these awards provide, winners received tickets to the ECLD Immersion Experience along with a $1,500 cash prize. Second and third place recipients were also awarded tickets to the ECLD Immersion Experience, along with a $500 cash prize.
“Early childhood education and care plays a vital role in shaping lifelong outcomes. Across WA, hundreds of education and care services support thousands of children and families each day. Through play‑based learning, strong relationships and inclusive practice, early childhood professionals help children develop confidence, resilience and a love of learning that stays with them long after they leave early learning settings”, said Early Childhood Minister Sabine Winton.
The winners are:
The Outstanding Early Childhood Educator Award:
Elizabeth Lowe
Elizabeth Lowe from Brockman House is recognised for her genuine commitment to building partnerships and trusting relationships with children, families and colleagues. Staff working with Lizzy value her guidance and the manner in which she leads a positive culture within the staff team. Lizzy celebrates both the strengths and achievements of children and families; she listens to their voices and supports children and families during challenging times.
The Family Choice – Outstanding Early Childhood Educator Award:
Roslyn Humbles, Sunnyside Family Daycare
Rosly Humbles from Sunnyside Family Daycare has established meaningful moments for children, encouraging them to feel connected to their learning. She builds strong bonds with all families and demonstrates a genuine responsiveness to family needs in visible and meaningful ways. Rosie’s focus is on the holistic wellbeing of all children and families in her regional family day care setting.
The Excellence in Leadership Award:
Shelley Carlen
Shelley Carlin is an inspiring Director and Educational Leader whose vision and people‑first approach have transformed the culture and confidence of everyone at Marjorie Mann Lawley Day Care. She has created a workplace where educators feel valued, supported, and empowered—leading initiatives like a distributed leadership model, meaningful wellbeing programs, and the much‑loved educator‑written magazine Our Conversations.
The Service Excellence in Partnerships with Families, Communities and School Award:
Tall Tree Early Learning, Mullaloo
Tall Tree Mullaloo embodies the meaning of partnerships which are grounded in clear communication, shared goals and documented phare processes. They have created a thriving extended community who share authentic relationships and experiences that strengthen children’s development, empowers families and provide a true sense of belonging for many.
The Excellence in Best Practice Award:
Nature’s Atelier
Nature’s Atelier is a service that embodies a truly holistic, child-centered approach to early learning. With environments thoughtfully designed around nature, creativity, community connection, and a pedagogical framework enriched by specialist mentors, they have created an inspiring sanctuary where children are genuinely seen, heard, and empowered. Their unwavering commitment to staff wellbeing, above‑ratio support, and continual professional growth further elevate the exceptional standard of care that makes them the deserving winners of this award.
The Excellence in Supporting Child Development Award:
Rose Nowers Early Learning Centre
Rose Nowers Early Learning Centre have embarked on a journey of supporting child development that has involved an interdisciplinary approach and truly embraces the meaning of intentional holistic support. This support will indefinitely not only support the children and families today, but the community of South Hedland tomorrow.
Working alongside Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Physiotherapists, and an Early Childhood Teacher, the Educators have developed a child‑development approach that honours each child’s unique learning style and thoughtfully integrates Allied Health strategies into daily routines and play.
The Outstanding commitment to Reconciliation and Cultural Responsiveness Award:
Tayla Day
Tayla Day has significantly contributed to closing the gap at MercyCare Early Learning Piara Waters through respectfully embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives into daily practices throughout the entire service. She has transformed the centre who had struggled to meaningful support cultural competence to one that now actively promotes reconciliation. Taylor has ensured that Noongar language is taught and used with all children through song and story and successfully integrates STEM with local knowledge.
The Excellence in Outdoor Learning Award:
Majorie Mann Lawley Daycare Centre
Caring for the environment is at the heart of the Marjorie Mann Lawley Daycare Centre curriculum. Educators support children to develop deep, meaningful connections with the natural environment, spark creativity and independent thinking. The centre’s many nature-based practices and projects evolve in response to the children’s questions and discoveries and therefore enriching children’s many sensory experiences. This active role in caring for their world, has a profound impact on children’s overall development and fosters a lifelong love of nature.
