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.
Nominations are now closed. Winners will be announced at a presentation ceremony on Thursday 5 November 2026.
Key dates
- Nominations open - Monday 4 May 2026
- Nominations close - Nominations were extended closed 6pm, Monday 1 June 2026
- Finalists announced - late August 2026
- Ceremony - Thursday 5 November 2026
Key links
Winners of the 2025 Victorian Early Years Awards
The 2025 winners were selected from 26 finalists from the early years sector across Victoria.
Victorian Early Years Awards honour roll
Previous winners from 2006-2024
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).
Updated