Skip to main navigation
Skip to content
The Goodstart Shell Cove team shines through a strong safety culture, reflective practice and a deep focus on staff wellbeing. Named 2025 Goodstart Centre of the Year, its 33-strong team is dedicated to children’s learning, community connection and continuous improvement.
Located on the New South Wales South Coast, Shell Cove is a 90-place centre – rated Exceeding – with a team of 33 educators and teachers. The team pride themselves on providing high quality early education and care to children of all abilities, tailored to their individual needs and strengths.
Their practices are underpinned by their philosophy which is centred on building strong, nurturing relationships with children and families, forming the foundation of a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where every child can thrive.
In reflecting on their 2025 journey, Centre Director Susy Morales said it was a proud moment for herself and the entire team to win the prestigious Goodies award.
“It’s a recognition of the hard work, dedication, and passion we’ve put into creating a positive and impactful environment for our children, families, and educators.” Susy said.
“I’m most proud of how we strengthened our team culture – centred around an open mindset and built strong partnerships with families. We focused on creating an inclusive, supportive environment where every child feels valued and every educator feels empowered, seen and heard,” Susy said.
“We’re excited to keep building on this success by deepening our community connections and exploring new ways to enhance learning experiences. Continuous improvement is our focus – whether that’s through professional development, new programs, or innovative approaches to family engagement.”
The team is at the peak of its quality journey, achieving Exceeding in all seven Quality Areas in July 2025 with a clear plan for continued growth and steps underway toward an Excellence journey.
They are particularly proud of the high quality early learning they can offer, believing in a hands-on approach to set up engaging and child-led experiences every day.
Over the past year, the team has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to safety through regular monthly safety inspections and Safety Champion checks.
Also a National Finalist for the Goodies Reconciliation in Action award, they are committed to creating early learning environments that are culturally safe and inclusive where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities can feel a strong sense of belonging , while ensuring all Australia’s children can grow up with reconciliation in their hearts, with a deep respect and understanding of our rich history and culture.
Susy says she loves being part of a community that values purpose, collaboration, and making a real difference in children’s lives.
“Every day brings opportunities to learn, grow and contribute to something bigger than ourselves – that sense of shared mission is what makes being a Goodstarter so special.”
Through high quality early learning outcomes, strong family partnerships and high levels of employee engagement the Goodstart Shell Cove team have made a significant impact in the lives of children and families.
Goodstart’s National Goodies Awards is a national reward and recognition program to acknowledge individuals and centre teams delivering best practice and enriching the communities in which we live and work.
Learn more about the Goodies here.