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C&K is proud to announce the winners and finalists of our 2025 Awards, recognising the outstanding educators, teams, and centres who bring high-quality early childhood education and care to life across Queensland every day.
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 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.
C&K Moranbah Community Kindergarten and Preschool was the winner of the MTA Emeritus Professor Mary Mahoney Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education and Care and a finalist for the Winc Education Curious Mindset Award. The prestigious Mary Mahoney Award was presented to C&K Moranbah for their transformative practice, empowering children to advocate for the redesign of their outdoor play space and present their ideas directly to Isaac Regional Council Mayor Kelly Vea Vea, fostering joy not only in the children who were able to present their ideas but the children who will get to enjoy the play space in years to come.
Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said the recognition of C&K Moranbah Community Kindergarten was a proud moment for the whole community.
“A huge congratulations to the amazing educators at C&K Moranbah for creating a space where children feel seen, heard and valued. This award is a credit to your passion, care and belief in the power of little voices...Their confidence and creativity are a reflection of the incredible support and encouragement they receive from their educators every day.” Mayor Vea Vea said, “When we listen to children and back the people who guide them, we build stronger communities. This win is something the whole of Moranbah can celebrate.”
Pictured above: (L-R) Emma-Jane Molan (MTA), Winners of the 2025 MTA Emeritus Professor Mary Mahoney Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education and Care: C&K Moranbah Community Kindergarten Team: Ashleigh Brown (Educator), Stephanie Oliver (Educator), Madison Pease (Centre Director), and Tamara McMeeken (MTA).
C&K Slade Point Community Kindergarten in Mackay also shone at this year’s awards, with Natalie McDougall winning the Playful Pedagogy Award for her innovative use of a puppet named Edgar to support children’s emotional regulation, storytelling, and transition to school. Edgar has become a beloved member of the teaching team, helping to create a joyful, inclusive environment that fosters creativity and connection. The Slade Point Community Kindergarten team was also named a finalist for the Department of Education Inspiring Impact award for their Breakfast Club initiative. The program addressed a critical need in their community, improving children’s outcomes and is now supported by a local partnership with Woolworths Andergrove.
Pictured above: Winc Education Playful Pedagogy Award Winner: Richard Mourant (Winc Education Representative) with Natalie McDougall (Centre Director, C&K Slade Point Community Kindergarten)
C&K The Range Community Kindergarten in Rockhampton was named a finalist for the Winc Education Curious Mindset Award for their work in strengthening children’s media literacy through a range of age-appropriate activities, recognising media as a modern form of storytelling that connects children to community, culture, and self.
“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.”
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.
For media inquiries, please contact: media@candk.asn.au
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.
C&K Bayview Kindergarten and Preschool Director and Educational Leader Rebecca Walsh has been named the winner of the 2025 Winc Education Curious Mindset Award, in recognition of her outstanding leadership in environmental education and global citizenship, underpinned by deep listening and child-led inquiry.
Rebecca has embedded sustainability and care for Country into Bayview’s program since 2014, using children’s curiosity and community connections to drive real-world impact. From foreshore excursions and Ghost Net-inspired art to anti-littering campaigns and advocacy with local council, her work empowers children as environmental citizens. Her leadership is grounded in cultural responsiveness, critical reflection, and deep listening to children, First Nations voices, and the environment itself.
“Through engagement in their surrounds and community, children will discover, connect with and act responsibly in their environments,” Rebecca said. “That’s what drives our work.”
The centre's work now focuses on embedding the Global Citizenship elements of caring for Country and ethical decision-making, with children joyfully leading the way.
Pictured above: 2025 Winc Education Curious Mindset Award, Winc Representative Kim Willis & Rebecca Walsh from Bayview Kindergarten Association.
Other Brisbane-based finalists included:
These centres were recognised for their outstanding commitment to children, families, and community partnership, and for delivering early childhood education and care with joy, inclusivity, expertise, creativity, and intention.
C&K is proud to announce the winners of our 2025 Awards, recognising the outstanding educators, teams, and centres who bring high-quality early childhood education and care to life across Queensland every day.
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. The 2025 C&K Conference was proudly supported by Winc Education, which brought together over 950 early childhood professionals, researchers and sector leaders over the two days to reflect on this year’s theme: ‘Joy’.
Six awards were presented, celebrating exceptional contributions across C&K’s network of 325 kindergarten and childcare centres.
C&K CEO Dr Sandra Cheeseman said the awards honour the deep intentionality and expertise that sits at the heart of our employees.
Department of Education Inspiring Impact Award – Lynette Harding, C&K Coomera Community Kindergarten - Lynette was recognised for her passionate, ongoing commitment to cultural inclusion and connection, embedded throughout more than 25 years of kindergarten practice and programming.
Winc Education Curious Mindset Award – Rebecca Walsh, Bayview Kindergarten - Rebecca was celebrated for over a decade of creative, child-led programming focused on sustainability and Connection to Country, nurturing curiosity through meaningful inquiry.
Winc Education Playful Pedagogy Award – Natalie McDougall, C&K Slade Point Community Kindergarten- Natalie’s introduction of Edgar the beloved puppet brought imagination, self-regulation tools, and deep relational joy to children’s teachers’, and educators’ everyday experiences.
HESTA Reconciliation in Action Award – C&K Kirwan Community Kindergarten - The Kirwan team were acknowledged for their ongoing commitment to reconciliation framed as a foundation built on trust, listening and meaningful engagement with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
C&K CEO Award – Kate Hinschen, C&K Ingham Community Kindergarten - Personally selected by C&K CEO Dr Sandra Cheeseman, this award recognises Kate Hinschen, Centre Director of C&K Ingham Community Kindergarten, for her exceptional leadership during Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. When floods cut off power and isolated the centre, Kate’s calm, decisive actions ensured the safety of children and staff. Thanks to Kate’s leadership, its community and spirit remain strong and supported as the children have settled into their temporary place while their centre is being rebuilt.
MTA Emeritus Professor Mary Mahoney Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education and Care – C&K Moranbah Community Kindergarten - The prestigious Mary Mahoney Award was presented to C&K Moranbah for their transformative practice, including empowering children to advocate for local play spaces and connect their voices to community decision-making resulting in the children attending Council Chambers to present their ideas directly to the Isaac Regional Council Mayor Kelly Vea Vea.
The Gala Awards Night also featured special guest speakers, including the Honourable John-Paul Langbroek MP and early childhood education leader Catharine Hydon. Attendees left inspired by the creativity, commitment, and joy on full display across the sector.
C&K extends heartfelt thanks to this year’s award sponsors: the Queensland Department of Education, HESTA, Winc Education, and our major partner for the C&K Gala Awards Night, MTA.
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.
On Tuesday, July 1st, under the warm sun and crisp winds of a perfect winter’s day in Meanjin, something special happened. Ninety passionate Kindy educators came together with eight talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives and three community organisations for a day of creativity, culture, and deep connection.
The gathering took place at Koobara Kindergarten and Pre-prep Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation, where the grounds transformed into a vibrant hub of learning, storytelling, and community. The cool breeze carried voices, songs, and laughter across the space, and a crackling fire invited us to sit, yarn, and reflect.
The day began with Waveney Yasso’s heartfelt Acknowledgement of Country, sung beneath the big gum tree that became the central meeting point throughout the day. This space, surrounded by camp chairs filled with shared meals and deep conversations, grounding us in place and purpose. Some of us were lucky enough to spend time with Waveney learning about how we can create our own meaningful Acknowledgements.
The Mabaigal team took participants on a sensory journey through Zenadth Kes. With coconut frond weaving, music, and dance led by Josh, the group was immersed in the richness of Torres Strait Islander culture.
Aunty Rhonda Collard-Spratt and Jacki Ferro brought their children’s book series Spirit of the Dreaming to life through puppetry, language, song, and visual art. Aunty Rhonda, a survivor of the Stolen Generations, shared her personal story with strength and grace. Her biography Alice’s Daughter: Lost Mission Child resonated deeply, leaving many moved and eager to share her books with their communities.
Later, Aunty Rhonda joined the fireplace for more storytelling—her presence a beacon of resilience and wisdom.
Norton introduced the group to traditional techniques of twine-making with raffia, which were then transformed into handmade brushes. Participants explored ink artwork inspired by the native quandong seed, blending cultural learning with tactile creativity.
Joe from Koobara shared stories of the "Koobara Way" and their practice of slow pedagogy—a meaningful approach grounded in patience, connection, and culture.
Mandy from Deadly Dot Pots guided participants in painting terracotta pots using Aboriginal symbols and dot techniques, sparking conversations around storytelling through art.
Caleb from Yangga Art showcased traditional artefacts, explaining their significance and inspiring educators to meaningfully incorporate these into early learning environments.
As the wind picked up and our time together came to an end, Aunty Deb Jackson led a calming session of “Heads, Shoulders, Breath and Pose” yoga. It was a peaceful conclusion to a day filled with vibrant energy and emotional depth.
Throughout the event, The Benevolent Society, First Five Forever, and the Deadly Kindies teams were on hand to share their expertise and ongoing work in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
This was more than just a professional development day—it was a gathering of hearts and minds, of stories and songs, of ancient wisdom and modern practice. Participants left inspired, empowered, and committed to weaving what they’d learned into their classrooms and communities.
The threads of creativity, culture, and connection that were spun on this special day will continue to ripple outward—strengthening relationships, deepening understanding, and celebrating and bringing through the voices and knowledge of First Nations peoples in early childhood education.
This event made possible with thanks to:
• Apple Berries Early Education Centre
• Burpengary Play and Learn
• C&K Woodford Community Kindergarten
• C&K Caboolture Community Kindergarten & Preschool
• C&K Walkervale Community Kindergarten
• C&K Tewantin Community Childcare Centre
• C&K Beachmere Community Kindergarten
• Caboolture Apex Kindergarten & Preschool
• Green Leaves Early Learning Murrumba Downs
• Karalee Kindergarten & Early Years Learning
During National Reconciliation Week, three C&K kindergarten directors from Woodford, Acacia Ridge and Kirwan shared reflections on their ongoing reconciliation journeys. Their stories show how early education environments can honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and cultures through everyday relationships, respect and community connection.
Their stories demonstrate the teams’ commitment to learning alongside children and families. They all concluded the positive impact on their communities when reconciliation is embedded in their daily work, in how educators plan and teach, how children connect with Country, and how families feel seen and supported.
“Our organisation is on a journey of reconciliation,” said C&K CEO Dr Sandra Cheeseman. “It is not something you set aside for special events. When culture is embedded meaningfully in daily practice, it strengthens learning, relationships, and a child’s sense of identity. That’s what high-quality early education looks like.”
At C&K Woodford Community Kindergarten, reconciliation is a daily commitment shaped by community, reflection and learning. Guided by Director Chloe Wardle and Quandamooka educator Rachael, the team began with a cultural pulse check and transformed their entrance with Jinibara artwork and stories. A study tour to Waiben (Thursday Island) sparked deeper changes. From kai kai cooking and weaving with children, to Floral Fridays and a growing bush tucker garden.
“We were determined to build our cultural capability — we just needed to know where to start,” the team shared. “Now we are embedding this knowledge in everything we do.”
At C&K Acacia Ridge, reconciliation is built on strong relationships with local Elders and a commitment to learning through culture. With guidance from Aunty Marg and her daughters Charlene and Tracey, the team co-developed a reconciliation vision, and embedded Yuggera language and songs into daily practice. Charlene, a local artist, is now working with children to create meaningful murals that reflect community stories and strength.
“It’s not just about including culture, it’s about learning through it,” said Director Renee Randall. “The knowledge shared by Elders has reshaped how we think, plan and teach.”
At C&K Kirwan Community Kindergarten, Director Kylie Krawczyk shared that her team explored how non-Indigenous educators can authentically embed First Nations perspectives through a year-long Community of Practice. Children now help lead cultural rituals and a local Torres Strait Islander family contributes language and weaving to the program.
“This journey has changed how I see my role,” Kylie said. “It is no longer about adding culture in. It is about creating a space where culture is already lived and recognised.”
Each of these centres are supported by Kindy Uplift funding, a Queensland Government initiative to improve outcomes in areas of greatest need. The work being shared reflects what culturally responsive education can look like when relationships are strong and practice is thoughtful.
“These stories remind us that reconciliation is something we live every day. When we walk alongside community, we help children grow up connected, capable and proud.”
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The C&K Micro-credentials Program has been designed to deliver 5 micro-credentials across key competency areas in leadership that address knowledge and skill gaps in regulatory compliance, child safety, and delivering quality programs.
This program is proudly sponsored by the Queensland Government.
C&K is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Megan Gibson as the new Chair of the C&K Board.
A long-time advocate for children and early education, Dr Gibson brings a unique blend of sector knowledge, governance expertise and lifelong connection to C&K. Her experience spans from attending a C&K kindy herself, to being a director at a C&K centre, to serving on the Board for nearly a decade.
“It’s an incredible honour to step into the role of Chair,” Dr Gibson said. “C&K has shaped so much of my life and career, and I’m proud to lead a Board that puts children at the heart of our decisions.”
Dr Gibson has chaired the C&K Early Years and Innovation Committee and was on the inaugural C&K Building Waterfalls Curriculum Committee. She is committed to ensuring C&K’s Reconciliation Action Plan is authentically and deeply embedded across the organisation, including at Board level.
An Associate Professor at Queensland University of Technology, Dr Gibson is a nationally respected researcher and educator in early childhood workforce development. Her work has informed major national studies into educator attraction, wellbeing, and retention.
C&K CEO Dr Sandra Cheeseman welcomed the appointment, saying: “Megan brings deep sector insight, strong governance acumen and a genuine passion for C&K. We’re thrilled to have her leadership as we continue to grow our impact for children, families and communities across Queensland.”
C&K is one of Queensland’s largest not-for-profit early childhood education providers, with a 117-year legacy of putting children first.
Finding the right early childhood education setting for your child is a significant decision. As you prepare to tour potential centres during Open Week or at any time, here's what to observe and ask to help you make an informed choice for your family.
The environments
Pay attention to the physical space and atmosphere:
The educators, teachers and support staff
Observe how staff interact with children:
The Program
Understanding the educational approach is crucial:
Key questions to ask
Trust your instincts
Beyond facilities and programs, notice how you and your child feel in the space. The right centre should feel welcoming and align with your family's values and your child's personality and needs.
Remember that no question is too small when it comes to your child's care and education. Quality educators will appreciate your engagement and thoughtful questions about your child's well-being and development.
Take your time with this decision and visit multiple centres to see what environment feels right for your family. C&K Open Week is held in June each year, and is the perfect time to visit and see the regular flow of children and educators in the centre. Alternatively, you can book a tour at any time of the year. We hope to see you soon!
Some combinations just make sense: cheese and vegemite, sausage sizzles and Bunnings, chocolate and strawberries, picnics and parks. And that’s exactly how we feel about our latest partnership with C&K The Creche and Kindergarten Association coming on board as Principal Partner of QPAC’s Out of the Box festival and Supporting Partner of QPAC.
It’s an obvious alignment of both organisations’ values and shared philosophies to nurture and inspire children and to create immersive experiences for children to connect, explore and learn. C&K teachers and educators are encouraged to express their own individual teaching styles and artistic skills to foster creative thinking and inventiveness in the children under their care. An approach very much supported by the programmatic intent of Out of the Box.
QPAC Chief Executive Rachel Healy said it was vital for QPAC to partner with organisations that believe in the power of the arts and the important role the arts can play in contributing to a more cohesive and inclusive society.
“We’re thrilled to welcome C&K to the Out of the Box family knowing that they share our commitment to instilling a lifelong love of the arts in children from the very earliest years,” Ms Healy said.
“We have great admiration for the way that C&K weaves creativity into all that they do and that they prioritise immersive arts experience for both their educators and children.
“Out of the Box is an extension of what happens in C&K centres around Australia every day through music, movement, drama and storytelling, so to have such a respected education-focused organisation alongside our festival is a great boost.
“We believe very strongly in the importance of arts education and every component of Out of the Box is curated in consultation with education and arts specialists to ensure the festival has an impact well beyond the children’s experience onsite.
“Having C&K on board means the reach of Out of the Box can be extended beyond the festival itself as educators are themselves inspired to make the arts even more a part of what they do each day.”
More than one million children have taken part in Out of the Box festival since its beginnings in 1992.
“It fills our hearts to meet parents bringing their children to the festival that they themselves attended as a kindy kid, and to see educators passionate about their students attending because their own love of the arts began at Out of the Box.”
C&K CEO Dr Sandra Cheeseman said, “Together with QPAC, we’re creating something special: stronger community connections, fantastic professional development for our workforce, and discovering new ways of recognising the joy of learning, accomplishment, and mastery.”
“The arts inject fun and joy into the lives of children, teachers and educators. We’re excited to see how this partnership will strengthen the creativity, playfulness, and connections that blossom in our settings.”
“Through this partnership, it is our hope to encourage more engagement in the arts for educators and children in our centres. Engaging in the arts is an important component of learning and discovering in early childhood. It helps children develop creativity, confidence, communication and social skills, as well as inspires educators to connect with their own creativity when bringing well-loved stories, music and visual arts into the learning environment.” Dr Cheeseman said
“A focus in C&K centres is to inspire a child’s curiosity for self-expression through the arts.
“We’re also excited for the professional development opportunities that our educators will experience through the partnership with QPAC, which will strengthen their creative practices and see the arts embedded in new and joyful ways in our centres.”
Ms Healy said that one of the key ingredients in the festival’s success has always been the commitment to putting children at its centre.
“Every step of the Out of the Box journey is taken with children in mind, from the development of new work and the curation of in-theatre productions and workshops through to the thoughtfully adapted onsite experience to ensure a welcoming and child-friendly environment,” she said.
“This child-centred approach is yet another value we share with C&K, and what makes this partnership just perfect.”
Searching for the right childcare or kindergarten can be challenging. Many factors must be considered before making this important choice, including location, availability, routines, quality ratings, educator experience, resources and inclusions, and, of course, the feel of the centre.
We have been learning, growing and playing alongside children for over one hundred years, and our top tip when choosing the right centre for your child is to visit and experience the magic of C&K yourself.
Every year, we invite our families and community to Open Week, which runs from Monday, June 2, to Saturday, June 7, across 170 early childhood education and care centres Queensland-wide!
Open Week provides a wonderful opportunity for families to step inside our vibrant learning environments, meet our passionate educators, and witness firsthand the magic that happens in our warm, welcoming spaces dedicated to childhood growth and discovery.
During Open Week, you'll have the chance to:
Every child deserves a supportive and inclusive environment where they can explore, create, and develop at their own pace. Our centres are committed to providing exactly that—spaces where curiosity is encouraged, independence is fostered, and the joy of childhood is celebrated daily.
Whether you're considering options to begin your child’s early learning journey, or looking to make a change, Open Week offers the perfect opportunity to find the right fit for your family.
Visit any participating centres between June 2 and 7 to experience the magic of childhood education for yourself. Add your postcode or suburb below to find your nearest Open Week event and RSVP now!
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