Affinity Education Group has recognised more than 100 individual employees and centre teams in the State Finals and National Winners announcements of the 2024 Affinity Awards.
Taking out the number #1 position as Best Centre Manager for 2024, Bree White from Milestones Early Learning Emerald Beach in New South Wales was recognised for consistently delivering Gold-standard quality, compliance, outstanding early education outcomes for children and exciting career development opportunities for her team.
Affinity CEO Tim Hickey said while there had been a number of candidates for the Best Centre Manager title, Bree’s 2024 performance results made her a clear standout.
“Under Bree’s leadership over the past few years, Milestones Early Learning Emerald Beach achieved incredible occupancy running at 100%, while retaining a stable team, achieving a Gold rating from our internal Quality assessment process, and maintained their local reputation for being the number one centre in the area,” Mr Hickey said.
“Bree is a capable and much-loved leader trusted by her team and families, and we’re very proud to announce her as Best Centre Manager 2024.”
Recognised as the national winner for Excellence in Early Education as well as the Affinity Value of Having Serious Fun, the team at Milestones Early Learning Coomera (Amity Road) celebrated a year of support and connection.
“After being acquired by Affinity Education Group in June 2023, we ready to make 2024 our best year ever – we've never had more support or fun and we knew we could reach 100% occupancy while ensuring the team were happy and connected,” explained Centre Manager Sarah Robinson.
“Being part of Affinity Education Group means we have a department for every area of support we require, and this means our team have been able to simply focus on improving our quality and the early education programs we deliver to our children. It’s so great to be part of such an awesome bunch of people and we’re really grateful for the recognition that Affinity has given us.”
The coveted Early Childhood Teacher of the Year was awarded to Natasha Plant from Aussie Kindies Early Learning Keilor. Inspired by her own early childhood teacher, Natasha said she had ‘a passion for making a positive impact on children’s development during the most important years of their lives.’
“I’m so grateful to be working in a role which allows me to foster lifelong learning, create a nurturing environment and build meaningful relationships with both children and their families,” said Natasha.
One of the first early childhood teachers to become certified in Affinity’s Lifelong Learning Curriculum, Natasha was recognised by Affinity’s Education Team for her work implementing inquiry-based learning into her programs and skillful approach to intentional teaching which extended on children’s interests.
“I love seeing children contribute to the program, it makes it more engaging and far more beneficial for their learning and development,” Natasha explained.
“Affinity gives teachers so many opportunities for growth and my goals for 2025 are already motivating me for the year ahead,” she said.
The full list of national winners for the 2024 Affinity Awards is as follows:
Affinity Values Awards - Centres
- Going Above and Beyond: Milestones Early Learning Wagaman, NT
- Living The Team Spirit: Papilio Early Learning Ingleburn, NSW
- Having Serious Fun: Milestones Early Learning Centre Coomera Amity Road, QLD
- Being Completely Connected: Milestones Early Learning Moorebank, NSW
- Delivering Outstanding Professionalism: Milestones Early Learning Canning Vale, WA
- Creating Shining Stars: Milestones Early Learning Tarneit, VIC
Education & Service Awards - Individuals
- Cook Of The Year: Eliza Jupp - Papilio Early Learning Barton, ACT
- Trainee of the Year: Karen Marshall - Milestones Early Learning Rutherford, NSW
- Nursery Educator of the Year: Samantha Jackson - Papilio Early Learning Meadowbank, NSW
- Toddler Educator of the Year: Chaoxia Liu - Milestones Early Learning Macquarie, ACT
- School Readiness Educator of the Year: Serena Lucas - Papilio Early Learning Reedy Creek, QLD
- Lead Educator of the Year: Priyanka Pendharkar - Milestones Early Learning Canning Vale, WA
- Educational Leader of the Year: Rubena Cuda - Milestones Early Learning Smithfield, QLD
- Senior Educational Leader of the Year: Ellen Wilson - Kids Academy Woongarrah, NSW
- Early Childhood Teacher of the Year: Natasha Plant - Aussie Kindies Keilor, VIC
Safety and Compliance Awards
- Most Improved in Safety and Compliance: Milestones Early Learning Yokine, WA
- Excellence in Safety and Compliance: Papilio Early Learning Currumbin Waters, QLD
- Safety Leader of the Year: Milestones Early Learning Marsden - Skye Coyle, QLD & Kids Academy Jamisontown - Renee Butler, NSW
Most Improved & Excellence Awards
- Most Improved in Quality: Milestones Early Learning Kellyville North, NSW
- Excellence in Quality: Milestones Early Learning Tarneit, VIC
- Most Improved in Early Education: Papilio Early Learning Auburn, NSW
- Excellence in Early Education: Milestones Early Learning Centre Coomera Amity Road, QLD
- Most Improved in Occupancy: Milestones Early Learning Marsden, QLD
- Excellence in Occupancy: Aussie Kindies Niagara Park, NSW
- Most Improved in Labour Management: Milestones Early Learning Roma, QLD
- Excellence in Labour Management: Aussie Kindies Keilor, VIC
- Most Improved in People Development: Milestones Early Learning The Lakes, QLD
- Excellence in People Development: Milestones Early Learning Dalyellup, WA
- Most Improved in Customer Service: Aussie Kindies Creswick, VIC
- Excellence in Customer Service: Papilio Early Learning Coombabah, QLD
- Most Improved in Business Performance: Milestones Quinns Rocks, WA
- Excellence in Business Performance: Milestones Early Learning Capalaba, QLD
Performance Awards - Individuals
- Best Assistant Centre Manager: Kids Academy Kensington - Agata Kaczmarek-Vlassakakis, VIC
- Best Assistant Centre Manager - Runner Up: Papilio Early Learning Rosebery Paula Manginsay, NSW
- Most Improved Centre Manager: Milestones Early Learning Deeragun - Gabrielle Murray, QLD
- Best Centre Manager - Runner Up: Milestones Early Learning Kelso - Carollyn Youngman, QLD
- Best Centre Manager: Milestones Early Learning Emerald Village - Bree White, NSW
- Most Improved Area Manager: Katrina Hands, QLD
- Best Area Manager: Rachel Stapleton, NSW
Executive Recognition - Individuals
- State Manager's Choice: QLD - Renee Garrad; NSW - Sarah McCluand - ACT - Janice Lobb; VIC - Hannah Pappas; WA - Rachael Elliott; NT - Priscilla Borges
- All Round Shining Star Award: Sarah Jovani, Centre Manager, Milestones Early Learning Lisarow, NSW
- CEO's Choice: Sarah Mission and Samantha Waldock, QLD
- Buzz Award: Samara Phillips, Senior Centre Manager, ACT
Recognising our valued sponsors
The 2024 Affinity Awards have been made possible with the support of valued sponsors including:
Gold – Complete Office Supplies
As a preferred supplier for Affinity Education Group and a proud Gold Sponsor, COS is committed to supporting early education and childcare centres. We understand the unique needs of early childhood education settings and provide tailored solutions to optimise administrative processes, streamline procurement, and create positive and inclusive learning environments.
Our extensive range of products includes stationery, technology, and furniture supplies, as well as baby essentials and cleaning products, all designed to keep staff and children healthy, safe, and productive. Additionally, we offer a wide selection of eco-friendly products to support your sustainability efforts. As a family-owned business, COS is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of marginalised communities by ensuring access to education, healthcare, and basic necessities for all individuals. We feel a deep sense of responsibility to give back.
Gold – Modern Teaching Aids
Modern Teaching Aids (MTA) is a leading advocate for enriching early childhood education experiences across Australia. As a preferred supplier to Affinity Education Group and proud Gold Sponsor, MTA demonstrates its unwavering commitment to supporting early childhood educators and fostering innovation in this critical stage of development. An advocate for early childhood education, empowering educators and inspiring young learners across Australia, MTA continues to elevate standards in early childhood education and contribute to the growth and development of future generations. By fostering a community of learning and innovation through their innovative products, personalized support, and dedication to professional development, MTA empowers early childhood professionals to excel in their roles and positively impact young children's lives.
Silver – Industry Graduates
Proud to deliver training, development, and support to trainees, educators, Early Childhood Teachers and Centre Management Teams! Industry Graduates improves workforce capability through design and implementation of commercially focused strategies for employers and industry bodies. IT has been working closely with Affinity to Realise Potential in all employees through our ‘Affinity Learning Academy’ model, which provides fully funded accredited training delivered by respected RTOs since 2017. We focus on attraction, recruitment, development and retention of candidates into the workforce from pre employment to leadership.
Silver – Hills Uniforms Australia
For the past 13 years, Hills Uniforms Group has supplied uniforms, workwear, PPE and merchandise to clients across Asia Pacific. Hills Uniforms core values of communication, collaboration, professionalism and going above and beyond for our clients is shared and echoed within “The Affinity Way”. Delivering Outstanding Professionalism is a key Affinity Value – and one reflected by the presentation of our Centre Managers, educators and operational team around Australia. As Affinity Education Groups preferred supplier and Silver Sponsor, Hills Uniforms Group is delighted to use the opportunity to showcase the diverse uniform range.
Bronze – Rockbuild
Proudly supporting facilities repair, playground and internal improvements and safety initiative projects nationally for Affinity! RockBuild Group are an Australian based leading provider, specialising in Design and Construction, Major and Minor Renovations, Project Management and Facilities Maintenance Services, specialising in the Retirement Living, Retail and Childcare sectors.
RockBuild have developed extensive experience and capability, to ensure we offer industry leading solutions to suit your specific construction project, renovation, programmed and reactive maintenance needs, offering a complete project management and construction service. At RockBuild Group, we take pride in our commitment to delivering exceptional results on every project we undertake. Our team of highly skilled and experienced professionals work closely with our clients to understand their needs and objectives, ensuring that we deliver customised solutions that meet their specific requirements.