Kerrie Kennedy, Senior Educator from Goodstart Early Learning Bathurst is the proud winner of the Awabakal Excellence in Education Award at the Dreamtime Awards.
In its fourth year the National Dreamtime Awards has grown to be the biggest and best celebration in the country recognising Indigenous excellence in the categories of Sport, Arts, Education, Health and Community.
Kerrie was nominated by the Bathurst Local Aboriginal Lands Council CEO Toni-Lee Scott for her excellence in education in early childhood.
Kerrie said winning the award was a huge honour and paid tribute to her own parents for their commitment to her education.
“My mum and dad always told us how important our education was and instilled in us the importance of education for all children.
“I have helped to establish a Bush Kindy Program in Bathurst, making connections within the local Aboriginal Community, and connecting back to Country.
“I believe the most important learning and development in anyone’s life happens in high quality early learning centres like ours,” she said.
Kerrie has worked in early learning for 13 years and has been a key member of the team at Goodstart Bathurst for the past five years which last year received an Excellent rating from the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority.
Centre Director Emma Kentwell said "Kerrie is an inspiration to Indigenous and non-Indigenous educators, the parents, children and the wider community."
Goodstart Early Learning last year introduced a Stretch RAP and currently 257 centres across our network have their own reconciliation plans in place.
In its fourth year the National Dreamtime Awards has grown to be the biggest and best celebration in the country recognising Indigenous excellence in the categories of Sport, Arts, Education, Health and Community.
Kerrie was nominated by the Bathurst Local Aboriginal Lands Council CEO Toni-Lee Scott for her excellence in education in early childhood.
Kerrie said winning the award was a huge honour and paid tribute to her own parents for their commitment to her education.
“My mum and dad always told us how important our education was and instilled in us the importance of education for all children.
“I have helped to establish a Bush Kindy Program in Bathurst, making connections within the local Aboriginal Community, and connecting back to Country.
“I believe the most important learning and development in anyone’s life happens in high quality early learning centres like ours,” she said.
Kerrie has worked in early learning for 13 years and has been a key member of the team at Goodstart Bathurst for the past five years which last year received an Excellent rating from the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority.
Centre Director Emma Kentwell said "Kerrie is an inspiration to Indigenous and non-Indigenous educators, the parents, children and the wider community."
Goodstart Early Learning last year introduced a Stretch RAP and currently 257 centres across our network have their own reconciliation plans in place.