The Aspires Awards 2023
The wait is over.
Find out if you’re shortlisted for the 2023 Aspires Awards!
After an exhilarating year filled with exceptional talent and remarkable submissions, we are thrilled to unveil the shortlist of entries for every category and region. Could you or your team be among this year’s outstanding contenders?
The task of selecting the finalists was a daunting one for our panel of experts. We received so many great entries showcasing individuals and teams who demonstrate our mindsets and shine as beacons of inspiration. However, after careful deliberation, the network leaders have narrowed down the field to the top 2 finalists in each People category and region, as well as the best overall in the Stars categories.
A leadership panel, comprising of Sharon Whiteman (Chief Network Officer), Kathryn Waugh (Chief Quality and Curriculum Officer), Louisa Rinaldi (Chief People and Culture Officer) and Warren Bright (CEO) – will choose winners, who will be revealed at the Awards Night on 31 August in Melbourne. Remember, The Aspires are about people and Teams who make their Centre a delight for children, families, and colleagues in everything they do. Stars can shine in ways big and small; it’s making a difference that matters. Enjoy going through the nominations and celebrating the great work being done across the network!
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The Aspires Star Categories
The Aspires Stars are the pinnacle of achievement. They have been created to recognise those people who shine.
Click the links below to see the TOP 10 NOMINEES!
Centre Team Of The Year
Awarded to the Centre team that exemplifies most or all of the Guardian mindsets and works tirelessly to achieve each and every one of our guiding principles.
The Aspires Mate
The Aspires Mate is the person or team that has been your greatest ally, team player or support network in achieving one of the Guardian guiding principles.
The Aspires Innovator
The Aspires Innovator is the person or team that has introduced a new initiative or innovative thinking approach for the good of the company and its people.
The Aspires Star
The Aspires Star Award will recoginise the person or team that embodies all the Guardian mindsets and is set to be a star of the future!
Support Office Star
The Support Office Star Award recognises excellence in a Support Office Role. It is someone who is amazing in supporting Centres and Teams to deliver fantastic experiences for families.
The Reconciliation Award
The Reconciliation Award is a brand-new award in 2023.
It recognises and celebrates the team who has promoted and implemented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander reconciliation initiatives. This team values indigenous cultural connection and has experiences and/or programs that connect their Centre community with relevant indigenous cultures. They have commenced a journey of real and lasting positive change based on reflection, cultural understanding, respect, and improvement.
The Aspires People Categories
The Aspires People category recognises excellence in each role in our Centres, the people who make Guardian a great place for all of us.
Click the links below to see the TOP 10 NOMINEES!
Educator Of The Year
You are a connector of children, teams, families and community. You go above and beyond, and others look to learn from and are inspired by you.
Teacher Of The Year
You create opportunities and connections within your community, contribute to our Teachers network, are a leader and mentor, and you have a passion to share, learn and improve.
Educational Leader Of The Year
You are a motivator and innovator, demonstrating great practice, or contributing to our Educational Leader network. Your leadership is felt, seen and heard.
Student Of The Year
You are an exceptional learner who has shown this in practice, your academic results and commitment to your studies. Your future is bright!
Cook/Chef Of The Year
You are a leader, an educator, communicator, and innovator who promotes great food and nutrition ideas. Your kitchen is the heart of your Centre.
Assistant Centre Manager Of The Year
You are a listener, collaborator, problem solver, and you empower those around you. You build strong trusted relationships with teams, families, children, and the community.
Centre Manager Of The Year
Your leadership skills support a high performing team that maintains high-quality practice, awesome team and family experience, a safety first culture, and strong business discipline.
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Prizes
Winners will receive…
- A Trophy
- $500 cash gift voucher to spend as you wish
- All-expenses paid ticket to attend a national ECE conference of your choice, worth more than $1,500
- Time to visit a Centre within your own state to spend time with a colleague to network, watch and learn from them.
Centre of the year will receive…
- A Trophy
- $150 per team member for a team celebration of your choice
- $200 per team member for professional development
- BONUS Centre resource blitz of resources of your choosing.
Runners-up will receive…
- A Commemorative Plaque
- $250 cash gift voucher to spend as you wish
- A mentoring session with a colleague of your choice, including the Senior Leadership Team
- Time to visit a Centre within your own state (or neighbouring state for SA, ACT winners) to spend time with a colleague to connect, watch and learn from them.