Thursday, 14 November 2024

 Lizzie BLANDTHORN (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Children, Minister for Disability) (12:28): I rise to update the house on the 19th Victorian Early Years Awards, recognising the outstanding people and programs that support and nurture our youngest Victorians. The Victorian Early Years Awards celebrate the outstanding work of the early years sector at improving the health, wellbeing, learning and development of children from birth to eight years and their families.

Last week I was delighted to attend the awards. It was a wonderful opportunity to hear directly about the amazing achievements of the 17 finalists and to personally congratulate the 10 winners, acknowledging their creativity, talent and professionalism in supporting Victorian children and their families. It was also wonderful to see some of the most dedicated early childhood professionals working in the sector be formally recognised. This included recognising the dedication and professionalism of Jacinta Anderson, who was the recipient of the Minister’s Award. Jacinta is an early childhood teacher at Moe Heights Preschool, who demonstrated her passion and commitment to supporting the growth and development of children living in a vulnerable community. In her role Jacinta has implemented many innovative projects to give the children access to experiences they may not otherwise have had. It was inspiring to hear directly from Jacinta and to hear her speak about the passion she has for her role supporting the children who attend her preschool.

Pauline Dent from Rosedale Uniting Early Learning was named Early Childhood Teacher of the Year and Margot Serena from Craig Family Centre was named Educator of the Year. Both are fantastic examples of the difference that quality teachers and educators can make to the children they work with. Mildura Rural City Council was another winner, recognised for their innovative enrol to kinder day, helping families overcome barriers to kindergarten enrolment. More than 120 families attended the community event, where parents received help completing enrolment forms, obtaining paperwork such as birth certificates and receiving immunisations. As Minister for Children I was very pleased to see our government recognising the achievements of the early childhood workforce and sector and acknowledging the vital role that they play in our communities.