Winner - 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. 

As 4-Year-Old Kindergarten teacher, Cultural Inclusion Coordinator and Child Safe Champion, she has built strong relationships with the Boonwurrung community, collaborating with cultural leaders like Aunty Faye Stewart-Muir OAM and Jaeden Williams. 

Larissa’s initiatives include co-developing the Yulendj curriculum framework, leading the creation of a children’s book with Biik Bundjil, and guiding the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan. 

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. 

Larissa’s innovative, community-led approach serves as a model for embedding culturally inclusive practices in early education services.

Finalist

East West Childcare Association - Fitzroy

The team at East West Childcare Association (EW) is recognised for their innovative Out-and-About Kinder program, launched in 2017 to expand learning into the local community. 

Capturing EW’s commitment to authentic relationships and a multi-age model, this program immerses children in urban environments as active citizens, fostering independence, curiosity, and connection to place. 

Drawing on Reggio Emilia principles, Indigenous ways of learning with Country, and bush and beach kindergarten practices, Out-and-About reimagines kindergarten by transforming the city into a dynamic learning landscape. 

Children engage deeply with their community, spending whole days exploring local landmarks and developing inquiry-based skills. 

Out-and-About Kinder builds upon EW's multi-age model, reframing early years education not just as preparation for school, but as a democratic, connected, and place-responsive ecosystem in which children are seen, heard, and valued as active participants in the world around them.

Finalist

Gowrie Docklands Kindergarten - Docklands

Co-located within Docklands Primary School, Gowrie Docklands Kindergarten (GDK) is recognised for its inclusive programs supporting migrant children and families new to Australia. 

Educating 150 children weekly, 95% from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) background families, GDK fosters belonging through home language integration, cultural celebrations, and initiatives like Chai Club, where families are invited to connect over a chai after morning drop off.  

The kindergarten addresses barriers to support services by hosting onsite Maternal Child Health checks and finding alternative support pathways for families needing help accessing NDIS and other Allied Health supports. 

Community initiatives such as a clothes swap and free book program further support families. GDK creates a nurturing environment where children thrive in their early learning journey while helping families build a sense of community and access essential services.