Northern Territory Education and Care Awards

The Northern Territory Education and Care Awards were established by the Department of Education and Training in 2013.

The awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of early childhood and outside school hours educators and services who deliver quality learning opportunities, are innovative in their approach and demonstrate exceptional commitment to achieving quality outcomes for Northern Territory children and their families.

Congratulations to our 2026 Northern Territory Education and Care Awards finalists.

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony, held on Friday 16 October 2026 at the Double Tree Hilton Esplanade.

Finalists

Individual award categories

Outstanding Educator

• Veronica Ecenarro - Gray Primary School
• Jacinta Stewart - Ludmilla Preschool
• Starzia Fowler - Kentish Early Learning Centre Moulden

Outstanding Aboriginal Educator

• Bettina Kenny - Elliott School
• Amanda Djawarbuma - Maningrida Preschool
• Lucy Pedwell - Yarralin Preschool

Outstanding Leader

• Beth O’Brien - Roper Gulf Regional Council
• Melissa Keelan - Driver Preschool
• Emily Mitchell - Maningrida College

Outstanding Early Childhood Teacher

• Simone Norris - Macfarlane Primary School
• Mary Boeck - Bakewell Preschool
• Lauren Brown - Rona Glynn Preschool

Outstanding Education and Care Program: Nurturing a child safe culture in early childhood education and care

• Rona Glynn Preschool
• Driver Preschool
• Wadeye Families as First Teachers Program