BALNARRING Pre-School has been announced as a finalist for HESTA’s Early Childhood Education and Care Awards.
They are one of nine finalists for the awards, which celebrate innovation and excellence within the early childhood education sector.
The finalists were selected from 177 nominations across three categories, with Balnarring Pre-School a finalist in the Outstanding Service category.
The pre-school is recognised for its 15-year collaboration with Boonwurrung Elders to weave First Nations language, stories, and Country into daily life.
Lead educator Karen Anderson said being recognised is a meaningful acknowledgement of the collective efforts of the staff, management, and families.
“It reflects the collaborative approach that has underpinned the service for many years, and highlights that maintaining quality, excellence, and innovation requires the ongoing contribution of the entire community,” said Anderson.
“We are proud to know that the work of reconciliation that is so central to the philosophy of our service is recognised within the wider early childhood community.”
She said the pre-school has a strong commitment to continuous improvement and ensuring the voices of First Nations people are heard.
“As a teaching team and committee of management, we regularly engage in critical reflection as a key driver of quality improvement, ensuring that our pedagogy and practices remain responsive, innovative, honour First Nations peoples, and align with the needs of the children and the families,” said Anderson.
“To be recognised by HESTA acknowledges not only the commitment and passion of the service, but also the importance of quality early childhood education and the impact a collective approach has in shaping children’s lives and prioritising the voices of First Nations peoples.”
HESTA Chief Experience Officer Lisa Samuels said the finalists’ work highlighted the value in trusting educators to be innovative and test new ideas.
“What stands out about this group is the depth of impact they are having in communities across the country. Making sure that work is seen is something that HESTA cares about deeply,” said Samuels.
“The incredible finalists include people who questioned what school readiness really means, undertook groundbreaking child-led research to improve teaching methods, and extended learning well beyond the fence line.”
Anderson said the recognition is an honour and will continue to motivate the team at Balnarring Pre-School.
“Being recognised will motivate the team and the committee to continue striving for excellence, continue learning from First Nations people’s teachings, advocating for the value of the early childhood sector, and inspiring others to see the profound impact quality early education and care can have on children and families,” said Anderson.
The awards are sponsored by AIA Australia, with each winner set to take home $10,000 in prize money to be used towards professional development or to improve workplace services or processes.
Winners will be announced at the awards on 2 October in Melbourne.
First published in the Mornington News – 22 September 2026
