The Aspires Awards
Drum roll please…
We can now reveal the Top 2 Finalists for each category in the 2024 Aspires Awards!
Out of an astounding 13,000 nominations – you read that right, 13,000! – these outstanding team members have risen to the top, showcasing their extraordinary dedication and commitment. Your hard work and the incredible nominations have been truly inspiring. Congratulations to all our finalists!
This year’s Top 2 selection panel, comprising Sharon Whiteman (Chief Network Officer), Kathryn Waugh (Chief Quality and Curriculum Officer), Louisa Rinaldi (Chief People and Culture Officer), and Warren Bright (CEO), had the tough task of selecting the very best from such a talented pool.
A special shoutout to everyone who participated in the nomination process—whether by nominating someone else or themselves. The overwhelming number of nominations and the incredible stories shared highlight the passion and dedication you all have for your work. Our awards program has truly become a platform to celebrate each other’s remarkable contributions, making a positive impact on the lives of thousands of children every day. You are all simply amazing.
Scroll down and click each category to reveal the Top 2 Finalists!
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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. There are six categories.
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 recognises the people that embody all the Guardian mindsets and are set to be stars 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lead Educator / Teacher of the Year
You lead an individual learning space and mentor the Teachers and Educators in that room, supporting them to develop their practice.
Casual of the Year
You’re ready, willing and adaptable. You could be in any role with Guardian, but you always deliver.
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Prizes
The most important question, what can you win?
Winners will receive…
- A Trophy
- 500 GStar points worth a $500 gift card
- An all-expenses paid ticket to attend a national ECE conference of your choice
- Flown to Melbourne for the Awards dinner – all expenses ticket!
Centre of the year will receive…
- A Trophy
- $150 per permanent team member for a team celebration of your choice
- $200 per permanent team member for professional development
- BONUS Centre resource blitz
Runners-up will receive…
- A Commemorative Plaque
- 250 GStar points worth a $250 gift card
- Flown to Melbourne for the Awards dinner – all expenses ticket!
The Top 2 finalists of each award category will receive an all-expenses paid ticket to our Awards evening in Melbourne on 29 August 2024!