C&K Woodford team's reconciliation work earns national HESTA Awards finalist spot

C&K Woodford Community Kindergarten has been named a finalist for Outstanding Service in the 2026 HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards, recognising the team's outstanding and ongoing commitment to reconciliation.

Serving a community where more than 13 per cent of enrolled children identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, the Woodford team has recognised the importance of ensuring every child's identity and culture is seen and valued in their learning environment.

Over the past three years, educators have undertaken significant professional learning, built enduring relationships with Jinibara Elders as well as other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members, and transformed their centre's environment to celebrate and honour First Nations cultures.

Today, children engage in experiences including traditional cooking, weaving, storytelling, language learning and caring for a thriving bush tucker garden. These experiences create meaningful opportunities for children to connect with culture and country.

Acting C&K Chief Executive Officer, Vaughan Reed said this national recognition was a powerful testament to the team's cultural responsiveness and willingness to learn.

"Being named a finalist for Outstanding Service in the HESTA Awards is a wonderful celebration of the C&K Woodford team’s commitment to embedding reconciliation into their daily practice within their kindergarten community,” Mr Reed said.

"The team's approach demonstrates what is possible when educators are empowered to build authentic relationships with community, and develop their cultural learning with respect, integrity and purpose."

For C&K Woodford Community Kindergarten Director, Chloe Wardle, one of the most powerful changes has been creating more trust and cultural safety for families and community members.

“That’s exactly what’s changed — people feel they’re in a safe space to share,” Ms Wardle said.

“Families and Elders are now actively sharing their language, stories, food, and cultural practices, and children are taking that knowledge home and teaching their parents, creating ripple effects of cultural learning through our community."

The team’s next steps include creating a permanent mural and yarning circle at their centre, as well as expanding their bush tucker spaces.

C&K congratulates the entire Woodford Community Kindergarten team on this outstanding achievement and wishes them every success in the HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards.