Two educators from Cowra’s Goodstart Early Learning Centre, Jess Munroe and Krystal Moriarty, have been nominated for the Families Choice Award for Outstanding Early Childhood Educator, recognising their dedication to supporting children and families in the community.

The award is part of an initiative that honours early childhood professionals who go above and beyond in their roles, with nominations coming directly from families who see the impact of their work every day.

For nominee Krystal Moriarty, the recognition came as an unexpected but deeply appreciated surprise.

“I was just in shock and really happy,” she said.

“Obviously one of the parents nominated us and it just made me feel so happy.”

Ms Moriarty said the nomination reinforced the value of the relationships built between educators and families.

“It just made me feel so good about the way I’m working,” she said.

Ms Moriarty also highlighted the vital role early childhood educators play in communities like Cowra.

“As nursery educators, we’re at the children’s side at the start of their life and we’re teaching them all the little milestones.”

“Early childhood education is really important.”

Her words underline the contribution early learning professionals make not only to individual families but to the broader community, preparing children for school and life while giving parents the support they need to balance work and family commitments.

The nomination of Ms Munroe and Ms Moriarty has been welcomed as a moment of pride for Cowra, with families recognising the dedication, patience and care that educators provide daily.

Their acknowledgment through the Families Choice Award highlights the trust and gratitude parents feel towards those who help guide their children’s earliest years.

As Cowra celebrates its nominees, the award shines a spotlight on the often unseen but profoundly important role early childhood educators play in shaping confident, capable and happy children.