Victorian Early Years Awards

With the permission of family, this information includes the name of an Aboriginal person who has passed.

2026 Victorian Early Years Awards

The Victorian Early Years Awards 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 awards highlight efforts and contributions to improve Victorian children’s lives.

Winners are recognised as the best in Victoria for their category and go on to develop and share their inspiring work with their communities.

Winners of each category will receive a grant of $15,000 for professional development or to support their nominated initiative.

The finalists in each category are also eligible to win the prestigious Minister’s Award, selected by the Minister for Children.

Submit a nomination

Key dates

• Nominations open - Monday 4 May 2026
• Nominations close - 5pm Friday 29 May 2026
• Finalists announced - late August 2026
• Ceremony - Thursday 5 November 2026

Key links

Promotional material

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Further information

If you have any queries in regard to the Victorian Early Years Awards please email early.years.awards@education.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window).