Shining a spotlight on early childhood educators

MORE than two hundred and fifty educators, teachers, and support staff from across Victoria gathered on August 23 to celebrate the often-unsung heroes of early childhood education at the inaugural Jenny’s Early Learning Centres Annual Awards Night and Gala Ball.

Held in Ballarat, the event recognised the extraordinary achievements of educators and teams across 11 award categories, celebrating those who embody Jenny’s four pillars — Educators, Families, Community, and Children.

Jenny’s ELC CEO Darren Reid said the evening was a milestone moment for the organisation and for the broader sector.

“Early childhood educators play one of the most important roles in society — they nurture children’s confidence, help them explore their identity, and inspire their curiosity for learning. These awards are about celebrating the profound impact educators have, not only on children but on families and communities as a whole,” Mr Reid said.

Celebrating excellence across regions

Educators and teams from Bendigo, Ballarat, and Geelong were honoured on the night, reflecting both Jenny’s established history and its rapid growth across regional Victoria.

 

Ballarat celebrated the evening’s most prestigious accolade, with Lesley Aspland from The Arch (Director) awarded the Jenny’s ELC Values Award.

Bendigo centres won six awards:

Voice of the Child Award – Jess Crimmins, Strathfieldsaye

Family Partnership Excellence Award – Maddison Jorgensen-Slimmon, Strathfieldsaye

Professional Growth and Curiosity Award – Caloe Simons, Epsom

Sunshine in Human Form Award – Sophie Baker, Epsom

Individual Event Spirit Award – Heidi Round, Maiden Gully

Individual Community Champion Award – Tori McCarten, Strathfieldsaye

Team Event Spirit Award – Bendigo Hospital.

Geelong centres also shone, receiving three major honours:

Most Enthusiastic Storyteller Award – Jasmin Carmody, Armstrong Creek

Cultural Inclusion Award – Kym Binney, Lara

Team Community Champions Award – Lara.

 

Mr Reid said the diversity of awards reflected the many ways educators made an impact.

“Some awards highlight the joy and creativity our educators bring into children’s lives, others recognise the deep partnerships they build with families or their leadership in community. Together, they tell a powerful story about the role early childhood education plays in shaping the next generation,” he said.

A positive story for the sector

Jenny’s ELC has been part of the Bendigo community for more than 18 years and is now expanding across Ballarat and Geelong, extending the same signature community impact that has long defined its presence in Bendigo.

The Awards Night brought together educators from all regions under one roof for the first time, reinforcing a strong, unified culture across the organisation.

The event also shone a light on early childhood education as a career of purpose and impact.

 

“These awards demonstrate the pride and professionalism of our workforce. At a time when the early childhood sector faces recruitment and retention challenges nationally, celebrating our people and telling these positive stories is more important than ever,” Mr Reid said.

Jenny’s ELC plans to make the Annual Awards Night a flagship event for the sector, continuing to grow alongside the organisation’s expansion.

About Jenny’s ELC

Jenny’s ELC has provided high-quality early education and care for more than 15 years, with centres across Bendigo, Ballarat, and Geelong. Guided by its four pillars — Educators, Families, Community, and Children — Jenny’s ELC is committed to creating environments where children feel safe, valued, and empowered to thrive.

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