A kindergarten teacher from Victoria, a Queensland-based kindergarten, and a New South Wales-based preschool have been announced as the winners of the 2025 HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards.
The awards recognise the front-line educators and carers at the heart of Australia's early childhood education system.
Larissa Hayes from Victoria received the Individual Leadership Award for her outstanding efforts in embedding First Nations perspectives into teaching practices. Her efforts resulted in measurable impacts, such as increased child engagement and educator confidence.
Queensland's C&K Ascot Community Kindergarten was awarded the Advancing Pedagogy & Practice Award for its 'Proud to Be Me' initiative. The initiative fosters inclusivity and empowers children aged from three to five to express their authentic selves, build emotional awareness, and respect diversity.
New South Wales' Gilgandra Preschool Incorporated won the Outstanding Service Award for its inclusive and innovative approach to rural early education, offering fully subsidised fees, transport initiatives, onsite therapy, and cultural programs.
HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said the night celebrated the winners and additional five finalists who stood out among around 250 nominations Australia-wide.
"Congratulations to all winners and finalists. This year's winners have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to creating inclusive, supportive, and innovative environments where children can thrive," Ms Blakey said.
"At HESTA, we are deeply inspired by the tireless work of these incredible professionals and their commitment to nurturing the potential of our youngest generation."
Long-time awards sponsor ME (a subsidiary of Bank of Queensland – BOQ) provided a total of $30,000 in prize money, to be split equally among the three winners and to be used for professional development or to improve workplace services or processes.
BOQ Group Executive of Retail Banking Greg Boyle congratulated the winners and finalists and thanked them for their contributions.
"ME takes great honour in applauding the meritorious winners of these awards. Their unwavering demonstration of outstanding leadership in early education and care surpasses expectations, providing our children with an optimal opportunity to realise their utmost potential," Mr Boyle said.
Congratulations to the 2025 HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Award winners:
Outstanding Service
Gilgandra Preschool Incorporated
Gilgandra, NSW
Gilgandra Preschool Incorporated is recognised for its inclusive, innovative approach to rural early education, offering fully subsidised fees, transport initiatives, onsite therapy, and cultural programs. It prioritises equitable access, fostering resilience, wellbeing, and measurable developmental improvements for children.
Gilgandra Preschool Director Kristy Hyndes said the team was honoured to win a HESTA Award.
"Being recognised as a winner is both a tremendous honour and a powerful affirmation of our team's work, commitment, and heart. For a small rural community service, it reflects how genuine relationships, strategic inclusion, and deep respect for children, culture, and community can lead to transformative outcomes," Ms Hyndes said.
"This recognition validates our belief that quality early education should be accessible for every child, regardless of where they live, their background, or their needs."
The team plans to use the prize money to expand their capacity to deliver high-quality, inclusive education through enhanced cultural programs, early intervention, Bush Preschool expansion, and sector knowledge sharing.
Individual Leadership
Larissa Hayes
Monash Vale Early Learning Centre
Clayton, VIC
Larissa is recognised for her exceptional leadership in early childhood education, particularly in embedding First Nations perspectives into teaching practices. She has transformed her team's understanding of cultural safety through workshops, community engagement, and resource-building. Her efforts have resulted in measurable impacts, such as increased child engagement and educator confidence.
Ms Hayes said winning the HESTA Award marked a proud moment for the centre's service, their partners, and the wider community.
"I feel humbled to win a HESTA award. It reflects the collective effort of our team and the Boonwurrung community in creating a culturally inclusive learning environment," Ms Hayes said.
"This acknowledgment also validates the importance of embedding First Nations perspectives in early learning and highlights the impact early education has on shaping future generations' respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples."
The prize money will help enhance her professional growth, support the development of a cultural curriculum, and enable sector-wide knowledge sharing. It will also fund the Bundjil book series, showcasing Boonwurrung stories and seasons.
Advancing Pedagogy & Practice
C&K Ascot Community Kindergarten
Ascot, QLD
C&K Ascot is recognised for its 'Proud to Be Me' initiative, fostering inclusivity, empowering children aged from three to five to express their authentic selves, build emotional awareness, and respect diversity. Supported by a collaborative team, it integrates identity affirmation, emotional literacy, and community building.
Teacher Director Karina Hannan-Lopez said winning the HESTA Award made the team feel truly valued and appreciated for their work.
"This recognition fills us with hope - hope that the foundations we lay for children today will inspire brighter futures tomorrow. It also encourages us to continue breaking new ground, to explore new ways of teaching gender equity, and to embrace innovative practices that enrich children's learning and development," Mrs Hannan-Lopez said.
The team plans to use the prize money to enhance their outdoor environment by developing natural play spaces that spark imagination, foster creativity, and encourage a deeper connection with the natural world.
