Byron Bay and Northern Rivers Preschools

09/10/2026

08/10/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1FBuapas72/?mibextid=wwXIfr

08/10/2026

Listening to children, advocating for families and making early learning more inclusive. There’s plenty to celebrate in the stories behind the 2026 HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards.

This year’s winners are Stella Pabon and Nathan Chu from MacGregor Outside School Hours Care in Queensland, Samantha Vale from Windsor Community Children’s Centre in Victoria, and Byron Bay Preschool Coogera in NSW.

Their work spans child-led research, a community campaign to save an early learning service, and programs that help more children and families feel connected and included.

Congratulations to the winners and finalists, whose stories offer inspiration for educators and leaders across the sector.

Meet the winners and discover the work behind their recognition:
https://ap1.hubs.ly/H01qFdC0

05/10/2026

03/10/2026

Last night, Bridget, Sheri and Mel travelled to Melbourne for the HESTA Early Childhood Education and Care Awards! Byron Bay Preschool Coogera won the Outstanding Service out of 177 nominations! We were nominated for our unique approach to inclusion, our action research, our approach to children’s risk assessment, agency, voice and citizenship and our community support groups. We were humbled by the incredible work happening to improve access and quality programs for children across our sector and are so proud of our team for the relentless commitment to children in the Northern Rivers! Yay Byron Bay Preschool!!!! We are so proud of you!!!

02/10/2026

Congratulations Byron Bay Preschool Coogera!!!!!!! Winner of Outstanding Service Award 2026!

23/09/2026

Wajung Room investigate Native Bees as part of connecting to Country!

20/09/2026

Binging room children have been investigating and observing their own bodies, taking time and revisiting their learning to add increased detail. Through this project, teachers and educators support the development of visual discrimination (important for writing skills), sense of identity and commitment to learning!

19/09/2026

Our 2026 Nature Hearts Bush program is up and running! Children and educators visit their nature site every week! Nature Hearts children learn through connection to country, and build competence through risky play. We believe for children to develop a drive for sustainability, they must first fall in love with our planet. 💚🧡🤎

04/09/2026

Nine outstanding finalists. Three award categories. One sector making an extraordinary difference.

The finalists for the 2026 HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards have been announced, recognising six early childhood services and three sector leaders whose work demonstrates innovation, excellence and a deep commitment to children, families and communities.

Selected from 177 nominations, the finalists are being celebrated across three categories:

- Advancing Pedagogy and Practice
- Outstanding Service
- Individual Leadership

From challenging traditional ideas about school readiness to advancing inclusion and extending children’s learning beyond the service fence, their stories highlight the creativity, leadership and dedication found across Australia’s early childhood education and care sector.

Congratulations to all nine finalists! Which of their stories inspires you most?

Read more and meet the finalists:
https://ap1.hubs.ly/H01lrkk0