Winners of KU Making the Difference Award 2024 announced

KU Children’s Services recently celebrated excellence in its organization through the annual ‘Making the KU Difference Awards’.

The Awards recognize exceptional contributions to ECEC, highlighting individuals and teams who have demonstrated outstanding dedication, innovation and commitment to enriching the lives of children, families and communities.

The winners and their stories are described in the piece below:

Making the KU difference for children

• Alicia Hackfath – Early Childhood Teacher at KU ANSTO Children’s Center

Alicia advocates for children in every aspect of the program, developing warm relationships and tailoring resources to the needs of each child. Her child-centered approach creates enriching environments and promotes research and development.

• Christine Lee – Early Childhood Teacher at KU Macquarie Fields Preschool

Christine’s teaching embodies strength, relational focus and diversity, fostering connection with all children. Her commitment to inclusivity and her uplifting spirit make a difference to every child she comes into contact with.

• KU St Ives Barra Brui nursery school team

Inspired by the work of Vivian Paley, the KU St Ives team embraced ‘Helicopter Stories’, supporting creativity and literacy. This innovative approach has had a significant impact on children’s self-expression and literacy skills.

Making the KU difference for families

Gaye Ryberg – Educational Support Manager

Gaye’s warm and generous nature ensures families have the support they need to thrive. Her commitment to inclusive practices promotes a culture of support and growth, benefiting families and communities.

Making the KU difference for communities

Oriana Blanco and the KU Inner West supported preschool team

Oriana has been running supported playgroups for almost twenty years, providing crucial early intervention for vulnerable families. The team’s commitment to care and support strengthens communities and enriches the lives of families in need.

Making the KU difference for the staff

• Di Enks – Educational Support Manager

Di provided invaluable support to the KU Peninsula Preschool team as they faced challenging circumstances. Her dedication and mentorship have had a lasting impact on the preschool team, promoting growth and resilience.

• Jennifer Green – Education and Quality Manager

Jennifer’s leadership provided stability and inspiration during a difficult year on the KU Peninsula. Her advocacy and collaboration with the team promoted resilience amid significant transitions, ensuring consistency and progress with the agency’s goals and vision.

Making the KU difference in the field of quality

Megan Dodds – Principal at KU Corrimal East Preschool

With 35 years of service, Megan demonstrates dedication and exemplary leadership in early childhood education. Her passion for innovation improves the quality of preschool education and ensures every child gets the best start in life.

Making the KU difference through sustainability

KU ANSTO Children’s Center Team

Through the ‘Becoming Eco Smart Together’ program, the KU ANSTO team embraces sustainable practices. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of their program, paving the way for a greener future.

Making the KU difference through innovation

Deb Watson – Sustainability Manager

Deb’s leadership in the ‘Becoming Eco Smart Together’ program has had a significant impact on KU services. Her advocacy for sustainability underscores KU’s commitment to environmental responsibility and future generations.

Make the KU difference by representing KU

Carolyn Wilson – State Manager of the NSW/ACT Inclusion Agency

Carolyn’s collaborative leadership fosters respectful relationships, strengthens partnerships and elevates KU’s reputation. Her representation of KU demonstrates a commitment to excellence and advocacy for inclusive practices.

Making a KU difference in engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Bree Perkins – Director at KU Kahibah Road Children’s Center

Working closely with KU’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program team, Bree has openly supported the service team to learn more about the importance of cultural responsiveness. Her dedication, passion and care have led KU Kahibah Road to make significant progress in the cultural space.

Making the KU difference for inclusion

• KU Cheltenham Memorial Preschool team

Director Michelle Healey and her team demonstrate an excellent commitment to inclusivity and foster strong relationships with families and children. The inclusive environment of the preschool promotes belonging and involvement, making every child feel valued and respected.

• KU Fairfield AMEP Childcare Center Team

Led by coordinator Mervat Nashid, the KU Fairfield AMEP team embodies inclusivity and multiculturalism. Through the inclusive program and the care, compassion and professionalism of the team, they ensure that all children and families experience respect and connection.

• Cockatoo Room Team at KU Faulconbridge Children’s Center

The Cockatoo Room team support a range of children with high support needs, including those with extreme behavioral reactions. The team implements a variety of programs and practices to support inclusion, focusing on relationships to create an environment where all children are valued, accepted and celebrated.

KU Marcia Burgess Award

KU Briar Cottage Kindergarten Team

The KU Briar Cottage team consistently supports vulnerable children, families and their communities through their daily interactions and planning. Each year the service successfully covers a large number of children with disabilities, typically 50% of the cohort, alongside many children with high learning support needs. Their strong commitment to inclusion and children’s well-being is widely recognized within the community, making every child feel heard, valued and included.

Read more about KU here. To view a range of images from the Awards see here.