Two organisations in the Mallee has been named as a finalist in the Victorian Early Years Awards for their outstanding achievement in creating positive opportunities and educational outcomes.
Member for Northern Victoria, Mark Gepp MP today congratulated Zoe Support Australia and Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Partnership BY FIVE – whom were among 20 finalists across the state in their respective category.
The finalists have been named across seven categories which focus on improving engagement in learning, supporting parents, building collaborative community partnerships, improving health and wellbeing, exemplary practice in early childhood education, leadership, and significant service improvement.
Details of the local finalists, as follows:
- Zoe Support Australia are finalists in the Supporting Parents To Build Their Capacity And Confidence category for their Early Years Programs in Mildura.
Since 2013, Zoe Support Australia has provided wraparound, place-based support to young mothers (aged 13-25) in the Mildura community.
Successfully breaking cycles of welfare-dependence and increasing parent-child attachment, they are significantly improving educational and employment outcomes for their clients.
- Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Partnership BY FIVE are finalists in the Creating Collaborative Community Partnerships category
In partnership with Yarriambiack Shire, Buloke Shire Council, West Wimmera Shire, Horsham Rural City Council, West Wimmera Health Service, Uniting Wimmera, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and Royal Children’s Hospital – the Wimmera Southern Mallee Specialist Paediatric Support Partnership (SPSP) is significantly improving health and wellbeing outcomes for children in the local community by embedding specialist expertise within the local primary care services that families trust and use every day.
The finalists were shortlisted from 115 nominations received in 2020.
Now in their 15th year, the prestigious awards include an Early Childhood Teacher of the Year award and a separate 2020 Minister’s Award.
This year’s winners will be announced virtually on November 25, consistent with the coronavirus pandemic restrictions.
Winners of each category will receive a grant of up to $15,000 for professional development or to support their nominated initiative.
For the full list of finalists, visit: www.education.vic.gov.au/veya
Quotes attributable to Mark Gepp MP, Member for Northern Victoria
“Congratulations to these organisations on being named as a finalist in this year’s Victorian Early Years Awards and for putting the Mildura on the map in the Education State.”
“While this year has been like no other, these awards shine light on the strength of the early childhood sector and the wealth of expertise creating positive educational outcomes for our children.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Ingrid Stitt
“Congratulations to every finalist in the Victorian Early Years Awards for their contribution to our children’s education.”
“These awards showcase the hard work and determination in the early childhood sector to provide the best opportunities and educational outcomes for children, even during a global pandemic.”
