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Providing high standards of early childhood education and care together.
Outstanding teachers and educators from across Queensland have been recognised at the 2026 C&K Awards, celebrating innovation, leadership and excellence in early childhood education and care.
Presented during the 2026 C&K Conference in Brisbane, this year’s awards embraced the theme of Joy in Action, recognising the extraordinary ways educators make a lasting difference in the lives of children, families and communities.
C&K Chief Executive Officer, Dr Sandra Cheeseman, said the awards showcased the exceptional practice taking place in early childhood services across Queensland.
"Every day, C&K teachers and educators change children's lives through the relationships they build, the environments they create and the expertise they bring to their practice," Dr Cheeseman said.
"These award winners represent the very best of our profession. Their commitment to continually improving outcomes for children, supporting families and strengthening their communities is inspiring, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements."
The awards recognised individuals and teams across six categories, highlighting initiatives that strengthen inclusion, inspire curiosity, build community connections and create lasting impact for children.
Inspiring Impact Award
Sponsored by Winc Education, the Inspiring Impact Award was presented to Jackie Bulst, Director of C&K Middlemount Community Childcare Centre.
Faced with workforce challenges affecting the remote Central Queensland community, Jackie worked with local industry and community partners to secure housing solutions for educators. The initiative strengthened recruitment and retention outcomes, helping to ensure continuity of education and care for local children and families.
Winner: Jackie Bulst Finalists: Murilla Kindergarten Association, C&K Gumdale Community Kindergarten
Curious Mindset Award
The Curious Mindset Award, also sponsored by Winc Education, was awarded to C&K Flagstone Community Kindergarten.
The team's inquiry began with a deceptively simple question: What does safe really mean? Through a process of investigation, critical reflection and collaborative learning, children became active participants in understanding risk, identifying hazards and designing solutions. The project demonstrated how curiosity-led learning can develop children's confidence, agency and problem-solving capabilities.
Winner: C&K Flagstone Community Kindergarten Finalists: C&K Deception Bay North Community Kindergarten, C&K Moranbah Community Kindergarten, and Preschool
Playful Pedagogy Award
Lowood & District Community Kindergarten won the Playful Pedagogy Award, sponsored by ECE Learning Unlimited.
What started as an effort to support one child's communication evolved into an innovative storytelling and filmmaking project that enabled children to express ideas, engage with their community and influence change. The initiative highlights the potential of creative, play-based pedagogies to strengthen inclusion and children's voices.
Winner: Lowood & District Community Kindergarten Finalists: C&K Bradman Street Community Long Day Care, C&K Salisbury Community Childcare Centre (Pre-Kindy team)
Reconciliation in Action Award
C&K Woodford Community Kindergarten won the Reconciliation in Action Award for working in partnership with Jinibara Elders to embed cultural learning into everyday practice through storytelling, bush tucker experiences and shared learning opportunities. The approach has ensured Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are visible, valued and celebrated throughout the kindergarten community.
Winner: C&K Woodford Community Kindergarten Finalists: C&K Mackay Children and Family Centre, Samantha Carr (C&K Robinson Road)
Emeritus Professor Dr Mary Mahoney AO Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education and Care
Sponsored by HESTA, the Emeritus Professor Dr Mary Mahoney AO Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education and Care, C&K's highest honour, was awarded to C&K Deception Bay North Community Kindergarten.
The service was recognised for its relationship-based approach to supporting children and families, underpinned by a philosophy of being "curious, not furious". Through deep listening, collaborative planning and strong partnerships with families, the team has created an environment where children, families and their support networks feel genuinely seen, heard and valued.
Winner: C&K Deception Bay North Community Kindergarten
C&K CEO Award
Five individuals were recognised with the 2026 C&K CEO Award for their leadership and outstanding practice:
Dr Cheeseman said the C&K Awards provided an important opportunity to recognise the professionalism and expertise of the early childhood workforce.
"Behind every one of these initiatives is deep pedagogical knowledge, thoughtful reflection and a commitment to continually improving outcomes for children.
“Our workforce is made up of highly skilled professionals whose expertise, creativity and leadership shape children's learning and development every day. While that work is not always recognised, its impact lasts a lifetime."
The 2026 C&K Gala Awards was proudly supported by HESTA, Winc Education and ECE Learning Unlimited.
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