Samantha Vale

Windsor Community Children's Centre, Windsor, VIC

Sam was instrumental in leading a two-year community campaign to save Windsor Community Children's Centre when it faced eviction and potential closure.

She brought together families, educators, unions, peak bodies and politicians to advocate for the centre's future. The campaign secured $8.4 million in combined federal and council funding, generated a record 651 submissions, achieved bipartisan support and ensured 54 children could continue accessing quality early childhood education in their local community.

Throughout the uncertainty, Sam's steady and compassionate leadership helped retain more than 30 educators and ensured children and families could maintain their strong connection to the service.

Emma Forsyth, Head of Pedagogy at Early Childhood Management Services (ECMS), was recognised as a finalist in the Individual Leadership category.

Emma provides strategic leadership across 76 services and more than 1,000 staff, championing evidence-informed and equitable teaching practices. She is recognised for her leadership at the intersection of early childhood research, policy and practice, and for translating complex evidence into meaningful improvements for children and educators.

A finalist in the Advancing Pedagogy & Practice category, Kinglake Ranges Children's Centre was recognised for its Our Voices, Our Future – Children Leading Resilient Communities program, which empowers children's agency through nature-based learning and community connection.

Working with families impacted by trauma and socio-economic disadvantage, the service has achieved strong developmental outcomes while strengthening children's wellbeing, resilience and connection to community.

A finalist in the Outstanding Service category, Balnarring Preschool was recognised for its commitment to reconciliation and embedding First Nations knowledges throughout its programs and learning environments.

Working alongside Elders and First Nations Peoples, including Boonwurrung Senior Elder N'arwee't Professor Carolyn Briggs, the preschool has embedded First Nations knowledges throughout its teaching, policies and practice. The service also leads community initiatives that strengthen understanding and celebrate First Nations cultures, including the annual Womindjeka Balnarring Ngargee Festival and a professional learning conference attended by hundreds of practitioners each year.

VIT congratulates Samantha Vale, Emma Forsyth, Kinglake Ranges Children's Centre and Balnarring Preschool on this well-deserved recognition and thanks them for their ongoing contribution to Victorian children, families and communities.