The Victorian Early Years Awards (VEYA) celebrate and recognise the entire early years sector. From allied health and Maternal and Child Health services, through to community playgroups and early childhood education and care professionals, the VEYA highlight efforts and contributions to improve Victorian children’s lives.
Winners are recognised as the best in Victoria for their category and receive a grant of $15,000. This can be used for professional development, or to support their nominated initiative.
Nominations are now open and close at 5pm on Friday 29 May 2026.
Award categories
The 9 VEYA focus on the following themes:
- improving engagement in early learning
- supporting parents and carers in their role as their child’s first teacher
- building collaborative community partnerships
- improving child health and wellbeing
- supporting continuity of early learning through successful transitions
- recognising an early childhood teacher who demonstrates exemplary practice in early childhood education
- significant improvement in learning and teaching practices
- recognising the importance of Aboriginal inclusion and perspectives in ensuring all services are accessible to Koorie children and families
- recognising an early childhood educator who makes a vital contribution to early childhood services and children’s learning outcomes.
How to nominate
Anyone can nominate someone for a VEYA, and you can even nominate yourself!
You can nominate organisations including early childhood services, local government services, community organisations, health services, disability services and more.
Read the nomination guide which includes important information about:
- category eligibility
- selection criteria
- the nomination process
- free nomination writing support
- resources and more.
To begin your application, visit Victorian Early Years Awards 2026 platform.
Support to write your nomination
Writing a strong application can be hard. We offer support to help you prepare a high-quality application.
Use our writing tips
You can find practical advice on the VEYA webpage. Read the ‘Tips for writing a great application’ section or download a copy of the tipsheet.
Join a free webinar
Join our free interactive webinar on Tuesday 12 May 2026 and learn how to make your application stand out.
During the webinar, you will learn how to:
- write clear responses to each selection criteria
- use strong examples to show the impact of their work
- structure your application using a simple framework
- avoid common mistakes and improve your draft.
Webinar details
- Date: Tuesday 12 May 2026
- Time: 4:15 pm to 5:15 pm
- Platform: online
- Cost: free.
To register, complete the Application writing workshop registration form.
Please note that this session will not be recorded.
Get feedback on your application
We have a professional writer to help you prepare the best application.
Once you have a draft with responses to each selection criteria, they can review it and give you feedback.
This service is free and easy to use. Send your draft in a Word document, with your application ID by Wednesday 27 May 2026 to early.years.awards@education.vic.gov.au.
Find out more
For more information, refer to the VEYA website Victorian Early Years Awards.
To read about our previous finalists and winners, refer to Victorian Early Years Awards winners.
For further enquiries, contact the VEYA team by email: early.years.awards@education.vic.gov.au
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