Excitement is building across Guardian as we get ready to celebrate the 2026 Aspires Awards – our annual opportunity to recognise the incredible people and teams who make a difference to children, families and one another every day.
From 4–12 November, our state-based Aspires Awards nights will bring teams together to celebrate the achievements and contributions of our people across Guardian. And the celebrations will begin even earlier in each state, with a dedicated Centre Manager conference held during the day before each awards night. These conferences bring Centre Managers together to connect, learn and be inspired, sharing ideas and experiences before coming together to celebrate at the Aspires Awards that evening.
At Guardian, we know that great early childhood education is made possible by passionate, dedicated people. From Educators and Teachers to Centre Leaders, Chefs, Support Office teams and students beginning their careers, every role plays an important part in creating positive experiences for children and families. The Aspires Awards are our opportunity to celebrate the people whose commitment, contribution and impact stand out.
More opportunities to celebrate excellence
In 2026, the Aspires Awards continue to recognise excellence across our key Centre and Support Office roles, with awards presented across four geographical regions: Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales/ACT and Queensland. This regional approach means even more teams and individuals can be recognised for the incredible work happening across our network.
This year also brings more opportunities to recognise the unique contribution of Educators and Teachers working with different age groups. Rather than a single award for these roles, there are dedicated Baby, Toddler and Preschool/Kindergarten categories across Lead Educator/Teacher, Teacher and Educator of the Year awards.
The 2026 categories include:
- Centre Manager of the Year
- Assistant Centre Manager of the Year
- Educational Leader of the Year
- Lead Educator/Teacher of the Year – Baby, Toddler and Preschool/Kindergarten
- Teacher of the Year – Baby, Toddler and Preschool/Kindergarten
- Educator of the Year – Baby, Toddler and Preschool/Kindergarten
- Chef/Cook of the Year
- Student of the Year
- Support Office Star Award
- Centre Team of the Year
Celebrating how we show up every day
This year, Thrive and To BE Me are at the heart of every award. They form part of the criteria used to recognise excellence across each role, helping us celebrate not only what our people achieve, but how they bring these approaches to life in their everyday work.
Our Guardian Mindsets – being brave, positive, thoughtful and professional – remain an important part of how we recognise the people who make a difference across our network.
And in 2026, our families have a role to play too. Alongside team member nominations, families have been invited to recognise team members who have made an impact on them and their children through the Family Nomination Form or Google Reviews.
Recognising incredible teams
While individual achievements are an important part of the Aspires Awards, we know that great outcomes are built by teams working together.
The Centre Team of the Year award continues to recognise a centre team that exemplifies Guardian’s mindsets and consistently works together to deliver high-quality experiences for children and families. In 2026, this award is determined based on a balanced view of performance across a number of areas.
A week of connection and learning
Across November, our state-based celebrations provide an opportunity for our people to come together, share ideas and celebrate the contribution they make to Guardian.
The Aspires Awards are our chance to pause, reflect and celebrate the people behind the work we do every day – the people who bring energy, care, expertise and commitment to Guardian.
We can’t wait to celebrate our 2026 Aspires finalists and winners and shine a light on the incredible work happening right across Guardian.
If you’re ready to embark on a journey with Guardian as an Educator, Teacher, or part of our Centre Leadership Team, opportunities await you. We offer amazing professional development opportunities and great benefits. Explore current opportunities within the Guardian network or reach out to our Talent team.
