Pictured: Corrine Bell accepting the Outstanding Indigenous Educator award
Two Goodstarters received state-wide recognition at the Early Childhood Learning and Development Sector Awards held on Friday night for their outstanding contribution to early learning in Western Australia.
Rachael Baker from Goodstart Riverside Gardens won the Rising Star award for going above and beyond since starting her career in early learning 12 months ago, and Corrine Bell from Goodstart Stratton won the Outstanding Indigenous Educator award for her contribution in sharing her culture, history and knowledge with children, families and other educators.
Rachael and Corrine were two of eight award winners – selected from hundreds of nominations.
WA Early Childhood Minister Sabine Winton said the new awards recognised some truly outstanding individuals and organisations.
“We know how important the early stages of a child’s life are. There’s so much evidence that a good start in life makes a huge positive difference down the track for the child and our community.”
Goodstart’s WA State Manager Todd Dawson said he was proud of the Goodstart’s six finalists and congratulated Rachael and Corrine on their win.
“We know our people make a positive difference in children’s lives and Rachael and Corrine are wonderful examples of the power of early learning professionals.
“These awards are as much about individual recognition as they are about recognising the life-changing role early learning professionals have.
“Research tells us the impact of early learning on children – linked to higher levels of employment, income and financial security as well as improved health outcomes – and it’s thanks to the tireless work happening right now, every day of the year, by early learning educators and teachers across WA and across Australia.”
Rachael and Corrine were joined by three other Goodstarters who were finalists at this year’s awards together with representatives from Goodstart Girrawheen which were a centre finalist for Excellence in Innovative and Sustainable Practice.
Learn more about our incredible Goodstarters that has seen them receive sector recognition for setting best practice.
Corrine Bell – Goodstart Early Learning Stratton
Corrine is a proud Ballardong Noongar woman and her family are from Northam WA. She has been working in the early learning sector for 14 years in various roles across all age groups. She is passionate about working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the community to share history and traditional cultures and sharing that with both educators and children. Corrine strives to create an environment that’s inclusive and appreciative of where each person comes from, supporting children to be the voice of tomorrow.
Rachael Baker – Goodstart Riverside Gardens
Rachel entered the early learning sector 12 months ago as a trainee. She consistently engages with training opportunities and makes significant changes and continuously seeks to embed all she has learnt into her practice and program she delivers. She goes above and beyond in her support for children, speaking to allied health teams for strategies and support to implement for children with additional needs in her care.
Six Goodstarters were among a number of finalists at the Early Childhood Learning and Development Sector Awards with two taking out the overall awards for Rising Star and Outstanding Indigenous Educator.
Rachael Baker (Goodstarter Riverside Gardens) – Rising Star winner
Jessica Wilson (Goodstart Wonthella) – Rising Star finalist
Corrine Bell (Goodstart Stratton) – Outstanding Indigenous Educator winner
Melisa Butcher (Goodstart Banksia Grove) – Outstanding Early Childhood Teacher finalist
Regina Van Heythuysen – Outstanding Child Allied Health Practitioner finalist
Goodstart Girrawheen - Excellence In Innovative and Sustainable Practice finalist
Pictured: Rachael Baker winner of the Rising Star award with WA State Manager Todd Dawson.
Goodstart was proud to sponsor the Excellence in Leadership Award that was won by Rocky Beaton and congratulates all deserving sector winners and finalists.
Read more about the awards and winners here.