A bold response to the region's shortage of early years educators has earned Corangamite Shire Council a place among Victoria's most innovative local governments.
Council's Family and Children's Services team is a finalist in the MAVlab Innovation Awards, recognising the team's groundbreaking early years workforce initiative.
The Growing Our Own Early Years Workforce project is one of three finalists in The Now and Forever Award for Impact and Legacy, supported by Australian Red Cross.
Council has invested heavily in supporting existing staff to upskill and mentor developing team members, and in training new educators.
Manager Community Services Katie Hearn said the project responded to a critical shortage of early years educators, with only one childcare spot available for every three children in Corangamite.
"This nomination is a powerful recognition of the vision and leadership within our Family and Children's Services team," Ms Hearn said.
"I'm proud to be part of a team that's responding to a challenge and building a lasting legacy for children and families in Corangamite," she said.
"This initiative backs our people, builds skills locally, and aims to ensure every child in Corangamite has access to quality early years education."
To date, 33 educators have been part of the strategy, completing 45 qualifications from Certificate III to bachelor's degree.
Council now employs 78 early years educators across 13 services, up from 46 educators in 2020. Corangamite continues to have six trainee educators at any one time. Council is also preparing to offer 20 hours of Pre-Prep in 2026.
Mayor Kate Makin congratulated the Family and Children's Services team on this well-deserved recognition.
"Council takes early years education seriously – it's a foundation for making sure every child has the best start in life," Cr Makin said.
"We're proud to support a project that's building a stronger future for our children and our community, supporting our people and investing in local solutions."
Council recently adopted the Early Years Plan 2025-2035, which lays out a blueprint for ongoing work to grow and support education and care services over the coming decade.
Cr Makin said access to quality childcare was essential for the whole community.
"When families can find local care, parents are able to return to work and help fill workforce gaps in other sectors. At the same time, children benefit from a strong start to their education," she said.
The MAVlab Innovation Awards are an initiative of the Municipal Association of Victoria.
Winners will be announced at the MAVlab Innovation Awards ceremony on Wednesday 8 October.
