Goodstarters from across the nation came together for the National Goodies to recognise and celebrate best practice by individuals and centre teams over the past year – from safety, to high quality early learning and teaching environments and community partnerships.
From a record-breaking 650+ nominations across 14 categories, to 101+ state winners – 14 exceptional Goodstarters and Goodstart teams became national ‘Goodie’ award winners on Thursday night.
A further 16 commendations were awarded to Goodstarters acknowledging their amazing work, bringing a close the 2022 Goodies awards program.
A full list of Goodstart winners is below and a profile of two prestigious awards - Goodstart Centre Team of the Year and Goodstarter of the Year.
Goodstarter of the Year – Centre
Margaret Ferrier
Early Childhood Teacher, Goodstart Berowra (NSW North)
As a much-loved teacher for more than 20 years at Goodstart Berowra, Margaret is a very worthy recipient of this year’s Goodstarter of the Year award. At 69 years young, Margaret is invaluable team member with a relentless passion and dedication to the children of Goodstart Berowra, who has had a positive and lasting impact on all of them.
Through her love of art, design and literacy, Margaret has inspired many children to learn through self-expression and creativity, producing props for plays and storytelling. Goodstart Berowra Centre Director, Karen Wallis, said that Margaret’s reputation extends beyond Goodstart, into local schools and even onto TV. “If you have ever attended Goodstart Berowra or even lived in the community for over the last 20 years, you would know, or would remember, Margaret Ferrier, and the impact she has had on countless children and families in our local community.”
“Margaret’s ability to capture the attention of, and involve every child is something that you simply cannot explain properly in words, and just watching her at work is incredible to behold.” Congratulations Margaret!
Goodstart Centre of the Year
Goodstart Port Macquarie
The Goodstart Port Macquarie centre philosophy ensures that everyone’s voices are heard, and focus is given to what matters to the team most – which has been vital in their journey towards improving their centre culture and in their journey to Exceeding.
As part of their commitment to improving centre culture, they focused on embedding practices that would ensure team members always felt fully supported and valued – that has created a community full of support, collaboration and mutual respect. They have developed a wonderful little “brag book” to celebrate great practice and team member achievements, and a ‘You said, we did’ board showcasing collaborative decisions between educators and their primary partners, our families.
Their work on improving culture has enabled them to achieve a high standard of safety, quality educational programs and practices as well as developing amazing relationships with children, families, and communities.
Full List of Winners and Commendations
Family Experience
Winner - Goodstart Payneham
Commendation - Goodstart Goonellabah
Centre Innovation
Winner - Goodstart Point Cook, Shaftsbury Boulevard
Commendation - Goodstart East Bunbury
Goodstart SAFER
Winner - Goodstart Helensvale
Commendation - Goodstart Fortitude Valley
Community Engagement & Support Award
Winner - Goodstart Moreton Downs
Commendation - Goodstart Bakewell
Commendation - Goodstart Richlands
Leading To Learn – Centre Leader
Winner - Lynley Reale, Centre Director Goodstart Eaton
Commendation - Susanne Forbes, Centre Director, Goodstart Carrum Downs - Hall Road
Leading to Learn – Centre Support Leader
Winner - Hendy Moodie, Portfolio Manager Centre Engineering
Commendation - Mark Young , Lead Partner Teaching and Learning – SEQ South
Enabling Environments Award – Consistently Maintaining Excellence
Winner - Goodstart Port Macquarie
Commendation - Goodstart Canning Vale - Batman Road
Enabling Environments Award – Most Improved
Winner - Goodstart Currumbin Waters
Commendation - Goodstart Girrawheen
Making a Difference
Winner - Goodstart Pooraka
Commendation - Goodstart Woongarrah
Reconciliation Together
Winner - Goodstart Bakewell
Commendation - Goodstart Kingaroy
Goodstarter of the Year – CSO
Winner - Sara Evans, National Lead, Safeguarding Children
Goodstart Team of the Year – CSO
Winner - Vic/Tas Region 33
Commendation - The Learning Team
Goodstarter of the Year – In Centre
Winner - Margaret Ferrier, Early Childhood Teacher, Goodstart Berowra
Commendation - Amanda Mills, Centre Director, Goodstart Bundaberg - George St
Goodstart Centre Team of the Year
Winner - Goodstart Port Macquarie
Commendation - Goodstart Nightcliff
Commendation - Goodstart Clayton
The National Goodies Program is a reward and recognition program to celebrate the Goodstart’s focus on shaping young lives, and enriching the communities in which we live and work.
This year we would like to thank our valued partners and suppliers for being event support partners, making each of our Goodies events a success. Thank you to Bupa, Woolworths at Work, Coles for Business, Modern Teaching Aids (MTA), Winc, The Buckner Group and Kids Gourmet Food (KGF).