Outstanding achievers in one of the Territory’s most important fields, early childhood care, have been honoured at the Education and Care Awards, held last night at Parliament House.

The awards recognise people and programs delivering outstanding early childhood services that have a significant influence on the crucial early years of children’s lives and sets them up to reach their full potential.

Birth to five years is a critical development time for children, which is why it is important to recognise the professionals who are working hard to contribute to bright futures for Territory children.

This year, there were 91 Education and Care Award nominations from across the Northern Territory.

Winners receive a scholarship to contribute to their professional development.

The 2019 Northern Territory Education and Care Award recipients are:

• Emerging educator – Lauren Winfield, Millner Primary Preschool  and Sylvette Maralwuy, Milingimbi Preschool
• Outstanding educator –Trish Whitaker, Jabiru Families as First Teachers Program
• Outstanding leader – Meg Hewett, Galiwin’ku Family as First Teachers Program
• Outstanding achievement in community engagement – Katherine Isolated Children’s Service
• Outstanding achievement in innovative practice – Smile-a-Mile Fun Bus

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, Selena Uibo.

“Development and learning in the crucial first five years of a child’s life is so important for setting them up for success in the future and our dedicated early childhood educators and support staff work tirelessly for our Territory children.

“I congratulate all this year’s winners and nominees for the outstanding work they are doing in helping our children achieve bright futures.

“The Territory Labor Government recognises just how crucial quality education and childcare services are in the first five years of a child’s life, which is why we are investing heavily in the early years, expanding our Families as First Teachers program from 27 in 2016 to 53 by the end of 2020, along with 11 new Child and Family Centres during our term in Government.”

Media contact: Hannah West 0436 641 108