C&K Coomera’s Lynette Harding wins at 2025 C&K Awards

As part of the 2025 C&K Awards, Lynette Harding from C&K Coomera Community Kindergarten was honoured with the Department of Education Inspiring Impact Award, recognising her decades-long commitment to reconciliation, inclusion, and cultural leadership.

The winners were announced at the 2025 C&K Gala Awards Night, held on Friday, 25 July at the Royal International Convention Centre in Brisbane. Presented by Modern Teaching Aids, the Awards Night was a highlight of the 2025 C&K Conference. Proudly supported by Winc Education, the conference brought together over 765 early childhood professionals, researchers, and sector leaders over the two days to reflect on this year’s theme: Joy.

This year’s award recipients and finalists embody the spirit of Joy, bringing it to life in their practice, their relationships with children and families, and their commitment to creating vibrant, inclusive learning communities.

“At C&K, we know that high-quality early childhood education and care doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a deliberate choice and a deeply relational practice,” said C&K CEO Dr Sandra Cheeseman. “These awards are about recognising the educators, teams and services who make that choice every day and go further – to listen, to lead, to partner with families and communities, and to ensure every child feels safe, seen, and supported to flourish.”

Lynette brings a lifetime of early childhood expertise and a personal commitment to creating culturally rich, inclusive learning environments. Since joining C&K Coomera in 2012, she has led the service’s Reconciliation Action Plan, generously mentored educators, and forged strong relationships with local Elders and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations.

Her practice centres the question: “What is our commitment to reconciliation?” It’s a value she returns to again and again, both in her own reflections and in leading the team.

“The way Lynette promotes cultural competence creates a joyous celebration that includes everyone,” her team shared in the nomination. “She empowers children and colleagues to share their stories, their strengths, and their culture.”

Lynette also mentors fellow educators through their studies and registration, inspiring others to join her on what she describes as “riding the wave” of inclusive practice; starting where you are, growing in confidence, and never losing sight of community.

Pictured above: The Hon John-Paul Langbroek, Minister for Education and the Arts with Department of Education Inspiring Impact Award Winner, Lynette Harding, Centre Director of C&K Coomera Community Kindergarten.

2025 C&K Award Winners

• Department of Education Inspiring Impact Award – Lynette Harding, C&K Coomera Community Kindergarten

• Winc Education Curious Mindset Award – Rebecca Walsh, Bayview Kindergarten

• Winc Education Playful Pedagogy Award – Natalie McDougall, C&K Slade Point Community Kindergarten

• HESTA Reconciliation in Action Award – C&K Kirwan Community Kindergarten

• C&K CEO Award – Kate Hinschen, C&K Ingham Community Kindergarten

• MTA Emeritus Professor Mary Mahoney Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education and Care – C&K Moranbah Community Kindergarten

Pictured above: 2025 C&K Award Winners: Lynette Harding, Madison Pease, Stephanie Oliver, Ashleigh Brown, Rebecca Walsh, C&K CEO Dr Sandra Cheeseman, Kylie Krawczyk, Danielle Davies, Kate Hinschen & Natalie McDougall.

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