Press Releases | ��ר��

Children’s Week 2026: Upholding Children’s Rights to Language, Culture and Play in Early Learning

Michele Mayhew — Sat, 24 Oct 2026 03:22:00 +0000

Children's Week runs from 24 October to 1 November 2026. It is a national celebration of children, and of the rights that belong to every child in Australia.

This year's theme is "Children have the right to use their own language, celebrate their culture and practise their religion." It is a timely reminder that children are not simply adults in waiting. They are capable people in their own right, with their own identities, ideas and voices. Across our network of centres, Children's Week is an opportunity to reflect on how those rights shape everyday early learning.

��ר�� Children's Week and the 2026 theme

is held each year around the fourth Wednesday in October. It is led by the Children's Week Council of Australia and promotes awareness of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, with one article selected as the national theme each year.

The 2026 theme draws on Article 30 of the Convention. Article 30 protects the right of children from minority communities, and First Nations children, to use their own language, enjoy their own culture and practise their own religion.

What the Convention means for early childhood education

The Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989, and Australia ratified it in December 1990. Several of its rights are central to the early years:

The right to play and to rest and leisure
The right to education, directed towards the full development of each child
The right to be heard in matters that affect them
The right to culture, language and religion

These rights are reflected in Australia's national approved learning framework for the early years, Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework. The framework recognises children as , and guidance from the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority encourages educators to actively engage with the Convention in their practice.

Language, culture and identity in the early years

A strong sense of identity is one of the foundations of wellbeing and learning. The language a child hears at home, the food their family shares, the stories they are told and the celebrations they look forward to are all part of who they are.

Across our centres, inclusion is part of everyday practice. Our educators embrace and celebrate children's home languages, families are invited to share their cultures, knowledge and traditions, and children learn about different cultures through songs, stories, food and art. We explore this further in how we celebrate cultural diversity in our early learning centres.

Respecting a child's right to their culture also means respecting each family's beliefs, routines and dietary requirements, and working in partnership with families to understand what matters to them.

First Nations perspectives

Article 30 has particular significance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Through our partnership with , children across our centres learn about the cultures, languages and stories of the First Peoples of this land. This work is guided by our Reconciliation Action Plan.

Play as a right

Article 31 of the Convention recognises every child's right to play. For young children, play is not a break from learning. It is the primary way they learn, build relationships, develop language and make sense of the world.

Our Lifelong Learning Curriculum is aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework and places play and inquiry at the centre of each day. Educators observe children's interests, invite their ideas and offer genuine choices, supporting child-led learning that honours both the right to an education and the right to be heard.

Last year, our Children's Week focus explored children's voice and choice, including the use of floor books to document children's ideas. This year's theme builds on that work by recognising that a child's voice is shaped by their language, culture and family.

Celebrating every child

Children's Week is a celebration of every child, in all their diversity. Families are warmly encouraged to speak with their child's educators about sharing their language, culture or traditions with the room.

For educators who share our commitment to children's rights, we invite you to explore careers with ��ר��.

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The Future Starts With Us: Meet Our Display Winners

Michele Mayhew — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:58:34 +0000

On Early Childhood Educators’ Day, centres across our network unveiled something special. Children, educators and families had spent weeks working together on displays inspired by this year’s national theme, The Future Starts With Us!

The results were creative, heartfelt and full of big dreams. Today, we are proud to celebrate our zone winners and share the stories behind their work.

A project built around one big idea

Early Childhood Educators’ Day was held on Wednesday 2 September 2026. The day is an , which set this year’s theme. You can read how we marked the day in our post, The Future Starts With Us: Celebrating Early Childhood Educators’ Day 2026.

To extend the celebrations, we invited our centres to take part in a national display project during September. Each display brought together the dreams of the educators and children in the centre.

Families were part of it too. They were invited to add their hopes and goals for their children, and to learn about the dreams their children had shared.

Centres revealed their displays on Early Childhood Educators’ Day. Many took the project a step further with a “Future You!” dress up day for educators and children.

The project was sponsored by . Each winning centre receives a $250 MTA voucher to spend on resources for their children.

Our zone winners

Congratulations to the following centres, recognised as zone winners from Darwin to Perth, and from Melbourne to Canberra:

The Beach Early Learning Centre Wyong

Every display was different, but a few themes came through strongly.

Educators who were once little dreamers

Several centres turned the spotlight on their own teams. They asked a simple question: what did our educators want to be when they grew up?

At Milestones Early Learning Helena Valley, educators shared their childhood photos. The team reflected on the little people they once were, and the journeys that led them into early childhood education.

Aussie Kindies Early Learning Glen Innes placed each educator’s face onto an image of the career they once dreamed of. The display sits at the centre entrance, and children now stop to point out their educators at drop-off and pick-up. Staff often hear children telling their parents how “Miss Ruby looks so cool as a vet”.

Kids Academy Early Learning Regentville took its lead from a “When I Grow Up” project in the Junior Prep room. Educators were pictured in their dream careers, next to photos celebrating the path they chose instead.

At Milestones Early Learning Toronto, the preschool children’s love of space set the scene. Educators were pictured on a rocket ship journey into their futures. A “Guess Who?” game asked families to match each childhood photo to an educator. It was such a hit that the centre kept it out for four days.

Milestones Toronto

Milestones Helena Valley

Aussie Kindies Glen Innes

Kids Academy Regentville

Children’s dreams in their own words

Other centres put children’s voices at the centre of the display.

At Milestones Early Learning Darwin City, the display grew out of conversations during Book Week. Preschool children created self-portraits and drew pictures of who they might become. The team said:

“The most rewarding part was listening to the children’s ideas and watching their imaginations come to life.”

Milestones Early Learning Lynwood showcased the children’s real skills and creativity. The display captured their dreams while also celebrating their growing fine motor skills.

The Beach Early Learning Centre Wyong celebrated children as capable learners. The display featured Future Scientists, Little Artists and Future Athletes, linked to the STEM, creative arts and physical activities children had explored.

At Kids Academy Early Learning Rivett, the Junior Preschool and Preschool children created pictures, and families were invited to share their own childhood dreams. Writing their responses together gave parents and children a chance to talk about their dreams.

Milestones Darwin City

Kids Academy Rivett

Milestones Lynwood

The Beach Early Learning Centre Wyong

Families at the heart of it

Families played a big part in making these displays meaningful.

At Milestones Early Learning Riverstone Rise, the team gathered families’ hopes and dreams for their children through Storypark and in person. Children stopped to show their families the display each day, and it sparked a new interest in rockets. The display has also become a helpful talking point on centre tours.

Kids Academy Early Learning Regentville invited families to share feedback about their educators and received 26 responses. One family wrote:

“Cool, calm and collected - the three of you bring such a beautiful feeling to the babies’ room.”

At Milestones Early Learning Toronto, families answered the question, “How have our educators helped shape your child’s future this year?” Their notes were added to the display alongside the children’s drawings.

Milestones Riverstone Rise

Thank you

Thank you to every educator, child and family who took part. Your displays showed exactly why this year’s theme matters. The early years lay the foundations for the future, and our educators help build them every day.

Thank you to Modern Teaching Aids for sponsoring the project, and to the Australian Childcare Alliance for the theme that inspired it.

If these stories have you thinking about your own future, you can explore a career as an educator with ��ר��.

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The Future Starts With Us: Celebrating Early Childhood Educators’ Day 2026

Michele Mayhew — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 21:45:00 +0000

On Wednesday 2 September, Australia's early learning sector marks Early Childhood Educators' Day, a national day of recognition for the more than 200,000 educators who care for and educate our youngest children. This year's theme, The Future Starts With Us, speaks directly to the responsibility our educators carry: what happens in a classroom today shapes who a child becomes tomorrow. It's been a big year for early education in Australia, and today is about the people who've kept showing up for children and families through all of it.

Across ��ר��'s network - Milestones, Papilio, Kids Academy and Aussie Kindies - thousands of educators bring this responsibility to life every day. They are early childhood teachers, educators and support staff, and their work goes well beyond the qualifications on their certificates.

Beyond the qualification

Great early childhood education is built on genuine training and evidence-based practice. But what shapes a child's experience is what educators do with that expertise - the relationships they build, the small moments they notice, the steady presence that helps a child feel safe enough to learn, try and grow. It's this combination of professional skill and personal care that makes the difference, and it's what we're proud to celebrate this Educators' Day.

Education is one of the most important forces for positive change in society. Inspiring curiosity, building children's confidence, and creating opportunities for their growth in safe environments - that's something educators do every single day.

On behalf of the Executive Leadership Team and the Affinity Board, thank you for your dedication, professionalism and commitment, and for the difference you make in the lives you influence and the futures you create.

Glen Hurley, CEO, ��ר��

Thank you to our sponsors

This year, we're proud to be working with a range of partners who are helping us celebrate Australia's early childhood educators:

��-��workplace savings and benefits for our teams
-��early learning resources and equipment
��-��educational resources supporting quality learning environments
��-��gifting and celebration treats for our centres

Their support helps us mark this day properly, and we're grateful for it.

Ways to say thank you this year

Every centre has posters and cards for families to share a message in person, and some centres have also set up , which makes it easy to pull together photos, video clips and messages from the whole family into a single video tribute. VidDay has generously provided free videos for all our centres this year. If you'd like to put one together, check with your centre via Storypark to see if they've set up a link for their team. It's a favourite around our own Centre Support Office too - our executive and centre support team used VidDay this year to share their own thank you message with every centre team across the network.

You don't need to post it on social media for a thank you to matter - a face-to-face moment, a note on the noticeboard, or a message via Storypark means just as much as anything shared online.

To every educator across , , , and the wider Affinity network: thank you.

If their work has ever made you consider a career alongside them, you can explore opportunities on our Careers page.

And if you're looking for a centre near you, you can find one here.

The future starts with you.

Early Childhood Educators' Day is a national initiative of the Australian Childcare Alliance, held on the first Wednesday of September each year.

For more visit:

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��ר�� Reaccredited by the Australian Breastfeeding Association

Michele Mayhew — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 23:55:18 +0000

��ר�� is proud to confirm we've once again been accredited by the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA), for the period August 2026 to August 2027.

This accreditation isn't just a badge - it reflects a genuine, ongoing commitment across all our centres, including Milestones, Papilio, Kids Academy, Aussie Kindies and ��ר��, to support breastfeeding for the families we care for and the people who work with us.

What this means for families

Every one of our centres has a dedicated breastfeeding zone - a comfortable, private space for parents to feed their baby during drop-off, pick-up, or a visit. If you're touring a centre, our team is always happy to show you around this space and talk through how it's used.

We know breastfeeding looks different for every family. That's why we also share resources from the ABA's Virtual Village program, which offers free, practical support from pregnancy through to beyond the newborn stage, including guidance for specific situations like breastfeeding twins or triplets, breastfeeding with diabetes, breastfeeding a baby with Down syndrome, and tailored support for LGBTQIA+ families.

What this means for our team

We're also proud to be an employer that supports breastfeeding for our own educators and staff. Expecting and new parents on our team have access to the same breastfeeding zones and are supported by their centre in navigating this stage of life alongside their work.

Want to learn more?

If you're currently breastfeeding, expecting, or supporting someone who is, the ABA's Virtual Village resources are a great place to start, covering everything from the basics to more specific circumstances.

Interested in touring one of our centres? Book a tour and ask our team about our breastfeeding zone.

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NAIDOC Week 2026: Celebrating Culture, Connection and 50 Years of Deadly

Michele Mayhew — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:31:13 +0000

"We thank the Traditional Owners for the land on which we learn and play."

Across our centres, these words are often where a child's journey of understanding begins. Through stories, songs, shared experiences, and daily Acknowledgements of Country, children are introduced to the rich cultures and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, learning to respect the Traditional Owners of the land on which they live, learn, and play.

NAIDOC Week is a meaningful time to recognise the individual and collective efforts of our centres on their reconciliation journeys. This year, that recognition took a particularly special form.

This Year's Theme - 50 Years of Deadly

This year's NAIDOC Week theme celebrates the strength, resilience, and activism of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across five decades, and it resonates deeply across our network.

On 1 July, members of the Affinity executive team including CEO Glen Hurley came together at for NAIDOC Week. The centre stands on the traditional lands of the Dharug people, and Centre Manager Jessie Klaassen and her team have meaningfully embedded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into their daily programming, reflections, and activities for children. The centre has a published Reconciliation Action Plan and regularly engages with local Elders.

Wandana Aboriginal Education team performing a smoking ceremony at Kids Academy Glenmore Park

The Gift of the 'Garuuja' Whale Song

A highlight of the day was the gift of ‘Garuuja’ - a Whale Song created especially for ��ר�� by Aboriginal Elder Uncle Tim Gray, a Gumbayngirr, Wiradjuri and Bidjigal man.

Uncle Tim explained: “Whale songs like ‘Garuuja’ represent kinship, spirituality and are linked to ancient ‘Songlines,’ which are dreaming paths that navigate the coastline. These songs and stories are used to ‘sing up’ whales along the coast to ensure safe travel for Mothers and calves, map migratory routes and connect coastal communities.”

The song will soon be available on , giving centres across Australia the opportunity to incorporate it into their programs and share it with children in an authentic and meaningful way.

“This Whale Song is a special gift to our centres and families,” said CEO Glen Hurley. “It brings culture, storytelling and learning together in a way that will resonate with children across the country.”

Alongside the Whale Song, the Wandana Aboriginal Education team also presented ��ר�� with an original painting - The Journey of an Artist and a Humpback Whale - created by Aboriginal artist Leeanne Hunter, a freshwater woman from the inland river country of Central West New South Wales. Begun in 2003, the painting reflects community, responsibility, and the ways our lives are woven together across land, water, and generations. Together, these two gifts - song and artwork, story and image - speak to the depth of the partnership Affinity and Wandana have built over many years.

The Journey of an Artist and a Humpback Whale, by Leeanne Hunter

Walking on Dharug Country

Among the most meaningful experiences of the day, Chief People Officer Tracey Mackie and Education Project Advisor Jessica Mitchell were granted special permission to walk on Dharug Country, an honour that speaks to the depth of trust at the heart of our partnership with Wandana Aboriginal Education.

Together, they followed a storytelling journey across Country, travelling on foot until they reached the rocks, where they sat together for a yarn, sharing stories, listening, and connecting with place in the way that has been done on this land for generations.

The journey continued with a native plant tour, where Jess and Tracey had the opportunity to learn about and try a variety of medicinal plants, a reminder of the deep knowledge systems that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have held and passed down across tens of thousands of years.

��ר�� Chief People Officer Tracie Mackie, Education Project Advisor Jess Mitchell, and Uncle Les from Wandana Aboriginal Education on Dharug Country

Our Partnership with Wandana Aboriginal Education

An important foundation of our reconciliation journey is our long-term partnership with . Integrated into our Lifelong Learning Curriculum, Wandana provides culturally authentic resources - education kits, online programs, professional development, and rich Aboriginal experiences - for centres nationwide. The partnership ensures our educators feel confident and supported to create culturally safe, responsive and inclusive environments for children and community.

The impact continues to grow. In 2026 alone:

More than 40 centres have completed Wandana's online Making Artefacts program
49 centres have completed the teacher professional development program, with 100 more currently undertaking it as part of their 2026 professional development
The Affinity & Wandana Early Learning Program is now established or underway in more than 170 centres, with 45 centres already completing the program this year

"These milestones reflect the genuine commitment of our teams right across Australia. Reconciliation is not a single moment in time - it's an ongoing learning journey, and we're proud of the progress our centres are making together," said CEO Glen Hurley.

��ר�� and Wandana Aboriginal Education at Kids Academy Glenmore Park

Building Understanding from the Earliest Years

When children are given the opportunity to learn from First Nations cultures early in life, those experiences lay a foundation of respect, understanding and connection that stays with them. These initiatives - from daily Acknowledgements of Country to culturally authentic learning programs - reflect our continued commitment to embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into everyday learning across our network.

More Photos from the Day

Photos courtesy of Wandana Aboriginal Education.

Brian Cook of Wandana Aboriginal Education presenting ��ר�� with the special gift.

��ר�� The Journey of an Artist and a Humpback Whale artwork

Artist Leeanne Hunter with The Journey of an Artist and a Humpback Whale

Layla of Wandana Aboriginal Education

Uncle Les of Wandana Aboriginal Education

Uncle Les performing the traditional smoking ceremony

Wandana Aboriginal Education performing the smoking ceremony

Coby leading Tracey Mackie and Jess Mitchell of ��ר�� on Country

Uncle Les and Jess Mitchell on Dharug Country

Uncle Les, Tracey Mackie and Jess Mitchell on Country

��ר�� Chief People Officer, Tracey Mackie

Coby of Wandana Aboriginal Education

Yarning on Country

Jess Mitchell, Layla and Tracey Mackie

Layla of Wandana Aboriginal Education

Artefacts handcrafted by Wandana team member Uncle Graham Morgan, a proud Wiradjuri and Yuwaalaraay man, presented to Glen Hurley and the ��ר�� team as a gift in celebration of NAIDOC Week and our ongoing partnership and shared commitment to working together

Uncle Les with ��ר�� Chief Executive Officer, Glen Hurley

Leeanne Hunter with ��ר�� Chief People Officer, Tracey Mackie

Owen with ��ר�� Director of Operations (NSWS/ACT), Michaela Brown

Coby with ��ר�� National Quality Manager, Mel Nour

Uncle Les with Kids Academy Glenmore Park Centre Director, Jessie Klaassen

Wandana Aboriginal Education with the ��ר�� team

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Affinity Welcomes Government Commitment to Early Educator Pay

��ר�� — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 04:01:57 +0000

��ר�� has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement confirming continued funding to support worker retention payments for early childhood educators, alongside measures to maintain affordability for families and strengthen sector standards.

The funding extension provides certainty for the early learning workforce and reinforces the importance of recognising the essential role educators play in shaping the next generation.

Affinity CEO Glen Hurley said the announcement was a positive step forward for the sector—and validated the approach Affinity had already taken to support its people.

“This is an important moment for early education in Australia,” Mr Hurley said.

“Our educators do incredibly important work every day, and they deserve to be recognised and fairly rewarded for it.”

News of the first Worker Retention Grant was released in August 2024, and Affinity began passing on the wage increases to its people in December 2024—months ahead of receiving government funding—reflecting its commitment to supporting and valuing its workforce.

“We made the decision early to invest in our people because it was the right thing to do,” Mr Hurley said.

“This announcement reinforces that we’re on the right path—building a strong, stable workforce while delivering great outcomes for children and families.”

Under the Government’s framework, providers receiving funding will also commit to responsible fee management and continued focus on safety and quality standards.

Mr Hurley said Affinity was well positioned to meet these expectations.

“We are very comfortable with the expectations that come with this funding around fee increases for families and continuing to invest and strengthen in safety and quality standards across the sector,” he said.

“Those principles sit at the heart of everything we do.”

The announcement is expected to support ongoing workforce stability across the sector, while helping providers continue to invest in high-quality early learning environments.

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Welcoming Our New Queensland Senior Behaviour Coach, Riley O’Neill

Michele Mayhew — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 00:13:45 +0000

Supporting children’s behaviour starts with supporting the educators who care for them every day.

That’s why we’re excited to welcome��Riley O’Neill��to ��ר�� as our new Queensland Senior Behaviour Coach, leading a new Positive Behaviour Guidance Coaching Program across our Queensland services.

The program is part of a three-year Queensland Government–funded initiative focused on strengthening educator capability, improving behaviour guidance practices, and supporting children’s wellbeing in early learning environments. But at its heart, this work is about something simple and powerful: helping educators feel confident, supported, and equipped in the moments that matter most.

Riley O'Neill, ��ר��'s new Queensland Senior Behaviour Coach

A coach who understands the realities of the floor

Riley brings more than a decade of experience in early childhood education, having worked across Australia, Taiwan, and Central America. He’s spent years on the floor as an Early Childhood Teacher and understands the fast pace, high expectations, and emotional load educators carry, alongside the joy and meaning of the work.

“When educators feel supported, children feel it too,” Riley says. “I’ve been there - juggling routines, relationships, transitions, and behaviours all at once. My goal is to make educators’ days feel lighter, calmer, and more purposeful.”

Riley’s approach is evidence-informed, relational, and practical. He works alongside teams to build clarity and confidence, supporting educators to understand children’s needs through a trauma-informed lens and to create predictable, emotionally safe environments where everyone can thrive.

What the Positive Behaviour Guidance Coaching Program looks like in practice

Delivered in partnership with Phoenix Support for Educators, the program is designed to embed consistent, evidence-informed behaviour guidance through coaching, modelling, and practical support, not one-off training sessions.

Across Queensland, Riley and the Behaviour Coaching team will support services by:

Visiting centres to observe and support children with ongoing or complex behaviours
Identifying underlying needs using the Phoenix Cups model
Coaching and modelling co-regulation, routines, transitions, and calm responses
Sharing practical strategies educators can apply immediately
Strengthening learning environments with visuals, predictable schedules, and purposeful planning
Providing follow-up conversations and tailored behaviour support plans
Facilitating reflective discussions and Phoenix-aligned professional learning

Over the life of the program, Affinity will also introduce a customised Behaviour Educator Toolkit, a hybrid coaching and mentoring model, annual symposiums, and a suite of practical resources, including podcasts, hard copy tools, and professional learning modules.

These supports are designed to help educators respond confidently to developmental, trauma-related, and complex behaviours, while continuing to meet the National Quality Standards and uphold Affinity’s commitment to high-quality early education.

Investing in educators to support children

��ר�� CEO��Glen Hurley��says the program reflects a long-term commitment to educator wellbeing and capability.

“We’re excited to support our Queensland educators to build confident, consistent, wellbeing-focused approaches in their daily practice,” Glen says. “This work helps create emotionally safe, predictable, and connected learning environments where both children and educators can thrive.”

We’re proud to welcome Riley to the Affinity team and look forward to the positive impact this program will have across our Queensland centres.

For more information about the Positive Behaviour Guidance Coaching Program, please contact the Education Team at��education@affinityeducation.com.au.

To explore careers with ��ר��, see current opportunities here.

Proudly funded and supported by the Queensland Government.

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Celebrating Excellence Across Australia: Our 2025 Affinity Award Winners

Michele Mayhew — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:26:58 +0000

Every year, the Affinity Awards give us the opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate the incredible people who bring our purpose to life every day.

The 2025 Affinity Awards, held in December, recognised outstanding educators, centre teams, leaders and support staff from right across Australia, from metropolitan centres to regional and remote communities. These awards celebrate excellence in early education, leadership, safety, teamwork and innovation, and reflect the very best of what it means to be part of ��ר��.

A National Celebration of Passion and Impact

This year’s winners represent centres and teams from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, the ACT and the Northern Territory. While their locations, roles and career stages may differ, every winner shares something in common: a deep commitment to children, families and each other.

From educators embedding our Lifelong Learning Curriculum in inspiring ways, to centre leadership teams building high-performing, supportive cultures, the 2025 Award winners demonstrate the real-world impact of Affinity’s values in action.

These awards celebrate:

Exceptional early childhood education and teaching practice
Strong, values-led leadership
Safety, compliance and quality excellence
Teamwork, collaboration and mentoring
Career progression and professional growth

Recognising the People Who Make the Difference

The Affinity Awards recognise both individual excellence and team achievement, including:

Educators at different career stages, from trainees through to senior educational leaders
Centre Managers and Assistant Centre Managers driving quality and culture
Cooks delivering nutritious meals that support children’s wellbeing
Centre teams achieving outstanding results in quality, safety, family satisfaction and demand
Leaders who support others to grow through mentoring and coaching

Each award is underpinned by data, feedback and peer recognition, reinforcing our belief that great outcomes are built on strong systems, strong values and great people.

Why Affinity? Because Potential Is Meant to Be Realised

At ��ר��, our employee promise is “Potential, Realised.” The 2025 Award winners are living proof of what’s possible when people are supported, trusted and invested in.

Across our network, educators are:

Accessing nationally supported training and development pathways
Growing their careers through the Affinity Learning Academy
Working in centres where quality, safety and wellbeing come first
Being recognised, locally and nationally, for the impact they make

Whether someone is just starting their career in early education or stepping into leadership, Affinity offers opportunities to learn, grow and be recognised at every stage.

2025 Affinity Award Winners

Award Category	Winner: Centre Name	Winner: Employee Name
Being Completely Connected	Aussie Kindies Kyabram	N/A
Best Assistant Centre Manager	Milestones Darwin City	Charman Dancey
Best Centre Manager	Milestones South Townsville	Julie Louk
Cook of the Year	Milestones Canning Vale	Marie Blanche Marmitte
Creating Shining Stars	Kids Academy Wyong	N/A
Delivering Outstanding Professionalism	Papilio Coombabah	N/A
Early Childhood Teacher of the Year	Kids Academy Erina Heights	Debra Scarlett
Early Experiences Toddler Educator of the Year	Milestones Bairnsdale - Dawson Street	Lakmika Kannangara Arachchige
Educational Leader of the Year	Milestones Wagaman	Evelyn Zuniga Paredes
Excellence in Centre Performance��	Milestones Tarneit	N/A
Excellence in Early Education	Kids Academy Glenmore Park	N/A
Excellence in Family Satisfaction	Milestones Capalaba	N/A
Excellence in People Leadership	Milestones Moorebank	Alicia Cuddy
Excellence in Quality��	Bright Beginnings Children's Centre	N/A
Excellence in Safety and Compliance��	Papilio Currumbin Waters	N/A
Going Above and Beyond	Milestones Seaford	N/A
Having Serious Fun	Papilio Bundoora	N/A
Healthy Beginnings Nursery Educator of the Year	Milestones Yokine	Thi Chau Giang Nguyen
Lead Educator of the Year	Milestones Stretton	Najung Kim
Living The Team Spirit	Kids Academy Taigum	N/A
Most Improved Centre Manager	Kids Academy Kensington	Agata Kaczmarek-Vlassakakis
Most Improved in Centre Performance	Milestones Roma - Junior Campus	N/A
Most Improved in Early Education	Milestones Warana	N/A
Most Improved in Family Satisfaction	Kids Academy Regentville	N/A
Most Improved in People Leadership	Milestones Narangba	N/A
Most Improved in Quality	Milestones Cooroy	N/A
Most Improved in Safety and Compliance	Milestones Wyndham Vale	N/A
New: Reconciliation in Action	Papilio Hunters Hill	N/A
Safety Leaders of the Year	Milestones Lynwood	Treena Hussieni & Leanne Gosper
School Readiness Educator of the Year	Kids Academy Phillip	Roan Margaret Lucindo
Senior Educational Leader	Milestones Emerald Beach	Deborah Keam
Trainee of the Year	Papilio Turner	Laure Pons
Best Area Manager 2025		Maddy Gooding
CEO's Choice		Roshani Shetty

Inspired by Our Winners? Join Us.

As we celebrate our 2025 Award winners, we’re also looking ahead. Across Australia, our centres continue to grow, and we’re always looking for passionate educators, leaders and support team members who want to make a meaningful difference.

If you’re looking for:

A values-led organisation with a strong national community
Clear career pathways and development opportunities
Supportive leadership and high-quality learning environments
A workplace where your contribution is genuinely recognised

…then we’d love you to explore a career with ��ר��.

Explore current opportunities and join our national community:

Visit the ��ר�� Careers page

Congratulations to Our 2025 Award Winners

To every individual and team recognised in the 2025 Affinity Awards - congratulations. Your dedication, professionalism and care shape the experiences of thousands of children and families across Australia, and inspire colleagues across our national network.

We are proud to celebrate you, and proud of what we can achieve together.

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Celebrating Children’s Week 2025: Empowering Every Child to Know Their Rights��

Michele Mayhew — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 04:06:14 +0000

In every ��ר�� centre, moments of curiosity and connection happen daily – a child sharing an idea, working with a friend, or proudly reflecting on what they’ve learned. (18-26 October 2025) shines a spotlight on these everyday moments and reminds us why they matter: because every child deserves to be heard, respected, and supported as they learn and grow.��

“Children’s Week celebrates the rights, talents, and achievements of all children. It’s a time for families, educators, and communities to recognise the importance of children having a voice, feeling valued, and growing up in safe, respectful environments,” said ��ר�� Team Manager Katie Hancock.��

“Together as ��ר��, we build a community where every child feels heard, respected, and valued.”��

This year’s national theme, “Everyone should know about children’s rights!” is based on Article 42 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the global commitment to ensuring that children and adults everywhere understand and uphold the rights that help children thrive.��

For Affinity, this theme reflects the foundation of our work: nurturing confident, capable learners who know their worth and feel empowered to make a difference in their world.��

Strengthening Children’s Voice and Choice

To mark Children’s Week, our Education Team has launched a national focus project encouraging educators across all Affinity centres to increase their use of floor books, a collaborative tool that supports children’s Voice and Choice.��

“Floor books empower children to express their ideas, interests, and reflections through drawings, photos, and conversations,” explains Education Advisor Jessica Markoska.��

“It’s exciting to see children and educators co-construct knowledge by documenting shared experiences. It really fosters a sense of belonging and teamwork.”��

Floor books give educators a tangible way to capture children’s thinking and progress, while promoting Inquiry-Based Learning, a cornerstone of our Lifelong Learning Curriculum. They reflect how children learn best –��through play, exploration, and collaboration.��

“Floor books are a strong way to demonstrate the Early Years Learning Framework principle of ‘learning through play’, and support important quality outcomes such as children being curious and resourceful,” Jessica said.��

Some centres are also using floor books to strengthen relationships with families, inviting them to contribute ideas or see their child’s learning journey firsthand, supporting the principles of partnerships and respect for diversity.��

Celebrating in Centres Across Australia

Across more than 240 ��ר�� centres, educators are marking Children’s Week with experiences that help children understand their rights in meaningful, age-appropriate ways.��

At in Queensland, for example, the team is hosting a Children’s Week community event led by Early Childhood Teacher Serena Lucas, in partnership with local children’s organisations.��

“We are so proud of our commitment and grateful for the opportunity to provide education to children in their first five years,” Serena said.��

“Affinity’s Lifelong Learning Curriculum is something we’ve deeply embedded for all age groups in our centre, particularly in our Kindergarten room where children are encouraged to understand and know their rights.”��

These celebrations bring together families, children, and educators, creating moments that highlight belonging, respect, and the joy of learning together.��

A Shared Responsibility

National Quality Manager Mel Nour says Children’s Week is also a timely reminder of the important role educators play in upholding children’s rights and voices.��

“National Children’s Week reminds us of our role as early childhood educators to uphold children’s rights and voices, reflecting the core principles of the National Quality Framework, which places children’s agency, participation, and wellbeing at the heart of quality education and care,” Mel said.��

At ��ר��, we’re proud to champion these values in every aspect of our work, from curriculum and pedagogy to family partnerships and educator development. By listening to children and empowering them to share their ideas, we’re helping shape confident learners who will carry that sense of agency throughout life.

Learn More

To explore this year’s national theme and access free resources about children’s rights, visit .��

Every child has a right to feel safe, valued, and heard, and every educator has the power to make that happen.��

If you’re passionate about shaping meaningful learning experiences and want to be part of a purpose-led community, learn more about joining ��ר��.��

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Bright Beginnings Taree Celebrates Exceeding National Quality Standards

Michele Mayhew — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 01:03:01 +0000

It’s celebration time at��Bright Beginnings Children’s Centre in Taree, with the team officially awarded an��Exceeding National Quality Standard (NQS) rating��in their recent Assessment and Rating.

This achievement is a proud moment for the educators, families, and wider community, and marks a huge milestone for the centre, which was last assessed at��Meeting��in 2019. Now, Bright Beginnings joins the top-performing centres across NSW and Australia recognised for delivering education and care that goes beyond compliance, with continuous improvement and strong outcomes for children at the heart of what they do.

What “Exceeding” Means

The National Quality Standard sets the benchmark for early childhood education and care in Australia. Services rated��Exceeding NQS��demonstrate practice that is:

Beyond the requirements��in at least four of the seven quality areas
Consistently embedded��in service operations
Shaped by a culture of continuous improvement
Delivering positive outcomes for children’s learning, wellbeing, and development

For families, this means confidence that their children are thriving in a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment every day.

Spotlight on Educators and Leadership

For Centre Manager��Jan Williams, who has been part of the Bright Beginnings community for more than 20 years, the Exceeding result is the culmination of dedicated teamwork and focused improvement since the centre joined ��ר�� in December 2024.

“After we were acquired by Affinity, our new Quality Advisor asked about our Quality Improvement Plan - we proudly showed her 18 focus areas,” laughs Jan. “Her first advice was ‘choose three!’”

With renewed focus, the team worked intensively on three core areas:

Embedding��Child Safe Standards��across practice
Enhancing��outdoor environments��with support from an Affinity-funded playground upgrade
Deepening��connections with the community

Jan says the support made a big difference. “Joining Affinity last year, I did feel nervous but quickly realised I still had a voice, and different support than under our previous owner. The training is amazing, and it’s clear Affinity wants us to feel confident that we can succeed.”

Educators at Bright Beginnings say the result belongs to everyone.��“We all feel proud that our hard work and commitment to children’s wellbeing and learning has been recognised,”��one team member shared.

Children and Families at the Heart

When the centre was notified of the upcoming assessment, Jan and her team used the short preparation window to focus on their educators’ wellbeing.

“We wanted our team to feel confident and calm when responding to the Authorised Officer’s questions, so we reassured them, prepared together, and made sure our evidence was ready,” she explained.

The two-day assessment became a positive experience, with educators proud to share their work. “We absolutely love what we do,” says Jan. “After the draft report, we went back with some additional evidence and were over the moon to be awarded Exceeding.”

For families, this rating reflects what they already know - that their children are learning, playing, and growing in a safe and supportive environment.

A Shared Commitment Across Affinity

This result is not only a proud milestone for Bright Beginnings, but also a reflection of the strong culture of quality and continuous improvement across ��ר��.

Currently,��92% of ��ר�� centres that have been through Assessment and Rating are rated Meeting or Exceeding NQS. In 2025 alone,��13% of centres assessed have achieved an Exceeding rating,��placing them among the top-performing services in Australia.

Behind the statistics are thousands of dedicated educators who show up every day with passion, professionalism, and care. Bright Beginnings’ Exceeding rating is one example of how this commitment is making a real difference for children and families across Australia.

Achievements like this highlight the importance of ongoing reflection and improvement across the early education sector. At Affinity, centres are supported by dedicated quality and training teams who work alongside educators to ensure children and families receive the highest standards of care and education.

Join Our Community

At Affinity, we’re proud of the difference our educators make every day.

For families:��Find a centre near you and book a tour.
For educators:��Explore a career with ��ר����and join a team where your work is celebrated.

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