Our Affinity Values Awards turned virtual this year, with our nationwide community of centres dialing in – as well as our valued sponsors.
“Celebrating the achievements of our people and teams is very important to us – especially after the challenges we have faced together in 2020”, said CEO, Tim Hickey.
“With so many outstanding centres across the country, choosing the winners for each category was a tough task – but of course, there can be only one winner!”
6 award categories were presented this year – including Values Awards, Excellence Awards, Individual Educator Awards, State Manager’s Choice, CEO’s Choice, and the coveted Centre Manager of the Year.
“We are so proud of the talent at Affinity Education, and these awards were a small way to say thank you and recognise the outstanding people and teams delivering early childhood education and care”, continued Tim.
“A sincere thank you also to our sponsors and suppliers who supported the Affinity Awards this year. We are proud to have such strong partnerships.”






See 2020 Affinity Award Winners below
Values Award Winners
Being Completely Connected Award – Papilio Early Learning Box Hill, Victoria
Going Above and Beyond Award – Milestones Early Learning Lakes Entrance, Victoria
Going Above and Beyond Award – Kids Academy Warnervale, New South Wales
Living the Team Spirit Award – Milestones Early Learning Palmerston, Northern Territory
Creating Shining Stars Award – Papilio Early Learning Ashburton, Victoria
Delivering Outstanding Professionalism Award – Milestones Early Learning Raby, New South Wales
Having Serious Fun Award – Aussie Kindies Early Learning Kyabram, Victoria
Excellence Award Winners
Excellence in Customer Service – Kids Academy Glenmore Park, New South Wales
Excellence in Early Education – Kids Academy Erina Heights, New South Wales
Excellence in Safety – Milestones Early Learning Dalby, Queensland
Excellence in Quality – Papilio Early Learning North Strathfield Blue, New South Wales
Excellence in Financial Performance – Milestones Early Learning Lynwood, Western Australia

L-R: Katelyn Bates, Lauren Wilcox, Kim Reeks, Amanda Anderson
Individual Educator Award Winners
Outstanding Educator – Katelyn Bates at Milestones Early Learning Dalby, Queensland
Educational Leader of the Year – Lauren Wilcox at Tadpoles ELC Cooroy, Queensland
Early Childhood Teacher of the Year – Kim Reeks at Milestones Early Learning Gulliver, Queensland
Trainee of the Year – Amanda Anderson at Milestones Early Learning Westbrook, Queensland
State Manager Choice Awards
WA/NT State Award – Claudette Snell at Milestones Early Learning Edgewater
NSW/ACT State Award – Sally Read at Papilio Early Learning Artarmon
QLD State Award – Gabby Heit at Milestones Early Learning Ipswich
VIC State Award – Niki O’Malley at Aussie Kindies Bacchus Marsh

L-R: Olga Klaassen and Sally Raper
CEO’s Choice Award
Olga Klaassen, Area 10 Area Manager, New South Wales
National BUZZ Award
Sally Raper, Area 11 Area Manager, New South Wales
Centre Manager of the Year
Runner Up – Stacey Laubsch at Milestones Early Learning Wagaman, Northern Territory
Winner – Theresa-Gai Philips at Bambini ECD Coombabah, Queensland


T-B: Stacey Laubsch and Theresa-Gai Philips
Thank you to the generous sponsors of the 2020 Affinity Education Awards
Deloitte Coles Storypark
PageUp Aarons Outdoor ChildcareCRM
KindyNow Woolworths at Work Fixed
Qualis Cleanaway HiFlow Airconditioning and Mechanical Services
O’Brien Higgins MTA (Modern Teaching Aids)
Learn more about the Affinity Education values, career opportunities and our early learning centres.
We are looking for more talented and passionate people to join our team in 2021 - apply today!