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Seven of Goodstart’s award-winning team members have returned from an international ‘Discovering Next Practice’ professional learning experience in New Zealand, led by Goodstart’s Chief Children’s Officer Cathrine Neilsen-Hewett and Jo Singelton (Goodstart Program Lead - Teaching, Learning and Support).
This experience of a lifetime, awarded through Goodstart’s 2025 Goodies Awards, saw participants engage in a week of immersive learning, cultural exchange and leadership development as part of Goodstart’s commitment to continuous quality improvement and growth.
Building on the success of the inaugural 2024 study tour to New Zealand and the 2025 study tour to Singapore, participants returned with fresh insights to benefit Australia’s children and Goodstart’s network of more than 650 not-for-profit early learning centres nationwide.
Chief Children’s Officer Cathrine Neilsen-Hewett said the study tour experience was an exciting opportunity to collaborate with centres internationally, sparking discussion around innovative practice.
“The study tour was an incredible opportunity for some of our most exceptional team members to continue to learn and build on their strong knowledge as early childhood education professionals,” Cathrine said.
“Having the opportunity to learn and share knowledge across different cultures and settings is a core part of amplifying quality practice across Goodstart – helping to ensure every child has the best possible start in life.”
The 2026 tour participants were seven of Goodstart’s 2025 national award winners, including Hannah Fowler (Educator - Goodstart Burleigh Waters, Rising Star Award), Kylie Williams (Teacher - Goodstart Burleigh Waters, Enabling Environments Excellence Award), Kate Platten (Teacher – Goodstart Port Road - Cheltenham, 2025 Teacher of the Year), Feny Belinda (Centre Cook – Goodstart Melbourne, Goodstarter of the Year), Stefany Joseph (Educational Leader – Goodstart Tapping, Educational Leader of the Year), Kayla Delany (Educational Leader – Goodstart Shell Cove, Goodstart Centre of the Year), Miroslava Ivanova (Intensive Support Partner, CSO Goodstarter of the Year).
The itinerary included visits with BestStart centres and its head office, one of New Zealand's leading early childhood education providers, which, like Goodstart, is proudly not-for-profit, and the University of Auckland’s Early Childhood Education team. The team had an opportunity to experience and learn more about Māori culture and how this is shared and embedded in New Zealand early childhood education. Each day included reflection and debrief sessions, helping participants translate what they observed into practice improvements across their own Goodstart centres.
2025 Goodstart Teacher of the Year Kate Platten shared that one of her key takeaways from the Study tour was the intentional way New Zealand educators embedded every aspect of a child’s identity.
“Children were not viewed through a single lens or developmental area – instead, educators considered all the strands that make up who a child is their culture, language, family, relationships, interests, wellbeing, strengths and identity,” she said.
“These strands were woven throughout the curriculum, environment and daily interactions, ensuring children experienced a true sense of belonging.”
“This experience reinforced the importance of taking the time to truly know each child and recognising that every aspect of their identity contributes to who they are as a learner.”
2025 CSO Goodstarter of the Year Miroslava Ivanova said one of her key learnings was how inviting families to share their traditions, customs, and perspectives, created opportunities for children to learn about and appreciate diversity.
“I was impressed by the rich presentation of cultural items throughout the learning environment. Cultural artefacts, books, displays, and resources reflected the diverse backgrounds of the children and families, creating a strong sense of belonging and identity,” Miroslava said.
“I also observed calm and nurturing educators - their gentle approach fostering secure relationships and creating a positive atmosphere where children can feel safe, valued, and supported in their learning.”
As the participants return to their teams, they will continue to share their learnings to embed next practice across their centres and the wider Goodstart community.
Goodstart Early Learning is a not-for-profit organisation committed to ensuring all children have the best possible start in life. Our mission is to provide high-quality early learning and care, support families and communities, and advocate for policies that improve outcomes for all children. Last year Goodstart invested $29 million in professional development and qualifications for our people. Learn more here.
Goodstart’s Goodies program is both a state and national annual reward and recognition initiative that celebrates the exceptional contributions of our people in shaping young lives, while enriching families and communities we proudly live and work. The awards highlight innovation, dedication, and a passion for creating positive learning experiences for children. The Goodies awards nominations have opened for 2026 and culminate in a national awards night on 2 December. Learn more about our 2025 winners here.