Nominations Open for 2026 with New Categories
MELBOURNE — Nominations are now open for the 2026 HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards, which aim to highlight Australia’s most dedicated early childhood educators and carers. Now in its 12th year, the awards seek nominations in three categories: Advancing Pedagogy & Practice, Individual Leadership, and Outstanding Service, as confirmed by HESTA CEO Debby Blakey.
HESTA has announced the awards to acknowledge the vital contributions of early childhood educators across Australia. Ms. Blakey emphasised that the awards offer a chance to celebrate the dedication and innovation seen in the sector, urging employers, colleagues, and community members to nominate standout professionals.
Recognizing Excellence in Education
According to HESTA, these awards shine a spotlight on educators who play a crucial role in fostering children’s development and lifelong learning. The awards have previously celebrated impactful initiatives such as the ‘Proud to Be Me’ programme by C&K Ascot Community Kindergarten and other groundbreaking efforts across the country.
The announcement comes amid growing recognition of early childhood education’s role in child development. Nominations will close on June 7, 2026, with finalists announced in September and winners revealed at a ceremony in October.
In addition to the main categories, this year’s awards will introduce a new category focused on sustainability in early childhood education, recognizing programmes that integrate environmental awareness into their curriculum. This reflects a broader trend in education towards fostering a sense of environmental stewardship from a young age. HESTA aims to encourage educators who are making strides in this area, as environmental education is becoming increasingly important in today’s world.
HESTA is partnering with several educational bodies and industry experts to ensure a rigorous selection process for the nominees. This partnership aims to uphold the integrity and prestige of the awards, ensuring that the most deserving educators are recognised for their contributions. The awards ceremony, set to take place in Sydney, promises to be an inspiring event bringing together leaders in early childhood education to celebrate excellence and innovation.
Source: newshub.medianet.com.au
Last updated: 4 April 2026, 6:40 pm
