Awards Winners Ends Year on a High for Affinity
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.
Cash Before Christmas: Early ECEC Pay Rise For Affinity Employees
Affinity Education Group has confirmed that all employees eligible for the new ECEC payment are now receiving it effective 2nd December 2024. The first payments to employees were made on 11th December and included the 10% increase above award wages. CEO Tim Hickey said the decision to put ‘cash in our people’s hands before Christmas’ was one quickly approved by all executives and the board in recognition of the Federal Government’s commitment to funding for employees in the sector.
2024 Affinity Award Nominations Announced
After a three-week national campaign, more than 800 employees and 180 centre teams within Affinity Education Group are celebrating nominations as part of our yearly national awards program, the Affinity Awards.
CEO Tim Hickey rolled out the nomination announcements to excited centre teams, who are proudly celebrating and recognising achievements across 40 different categories, all identifying positive workplace culture along with excellence in performance within the Early Education and Care sector.
First Employees Certified in Australia’s Lifelong Learning Curriculum
More than 400 employees have been recognised in Australia’s first Lifelong Learning Curriculum Certification graduations, representing an exciting new industry qualification pathway in the early education sector.
CEO Tim Hickey, COO Nishad Alani, CFO Cathy Montesin and Head of Engagement and Publicity Carla Adams joined Affinity’s Education Projects Advisor Jessica Mitchel and six highly experienced employees working in positions ranging from Lead Educator to Area Manager, who have all achieved their Certification within the past months.
Free Bachelor Degrees – Affinity Teacher Scholarship Pathway Realises Potential
“You always have that one teacher that gave you a really positive experience, and I would like to be that teacher,” Anna, Affinity Teacher Scholarship Pathway student.
Graduating from university with no HECS debt, while earning a full-time salary may seem too good to be true, but Affinity’s Teacher Scholarship Pathway continues to support our people to realise their career dreams of becoming an Early Childhood Teacher – at no cost to them.
Career Stability & Mental Health: Empowering Women in Early Childhood Education
Career stability is more than just a financial safety net – it’s a crucial factor in mental health and well-being, particularly for women in early childhood education. Research consistently shows that job security, steady income, and opportunities for career advancement contribute to reduced stress, increased job satisfaction, and overall mental wellness. At Affinity Education, we support our team through programs like the Affinity Learning Academy, which offers pathways to complete qualifications while gaining hands-on experience, and a wide range of employee benefits that provide financial, personal, and professional security.
Potential, Realised at Affinity – Kim Cassar
My career took off after I joined Affinity… Our latest Affinity Shining Star is Kim Cassar, recently promoted from her long-term Assistant Centre Manager role at the Exceeding Rated Milestones Early Learning Greensborough to Centre Manager of Papilio Early Learning Bundoora which is about to open in one of Melbourne’s fastest growing regions.
Dr Lesley Jones Promoted to Chief Compliance & Quality Officer
Affinity Education Group has announced the promotion of Dr Lesley Jones from Head of Education to Chief Compliance and Quality Officer. Dr Jones has been an integral part of Affinity Education Group since joining in 2019 as an Education Consultant, following a range of senior leadership roles during more than 35 years in the early education and care sector.
Affinity Education Group awarded ‘Best Places To Work’ by The Australian
Affinity Education Group is celebrating after being the only early education and childcare provider to be named in the 2024 Best Places To Work by The Australian.
Australian Breastfeeding Week 2024: Returning to work from maternity leave
Support for working mothers to continue breastfeeding is a right, not a privilege, and this year we are thrilled to have maintained national accreditation with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for the third year in a row. More than 230 Affinity Education Group centres around Australia offer a warm, welcoming and supportive breastfeeding environment and policies for families and employees to allow them to continue their breastfeeding journey.