Celebrating Connie Aldamiz: a Victorian Early Years Awards finalist

Connie’s achievement follows Sandra Houlahan, Nominated Supervisor and Educational Leader at Elmore Kindergarten, being named Educator of the Year in the same awards last year. 

Her place among this year’s finalists recognises the evidence-based innovation, exemplary practice and leadership she brings to children, families and the wider early years community.  

Connie was nominated for the award by Early Years Advisor, Georgie Goddard, and below reflects the award application Georgie submitted on behalf of Connie. Connie said that she is excited by being a finalist but also to finally put “this remote little Millewa Kinder on the map and have it recognised.” She also expressed her thanks for her colleague and Trainee, Zannah Harmer, who she describes as amazing in her role and a great support. 

Renewing energy, purpose and quality 

Connie has brought extensive experience, leadership and compassion from a large service of 220 children to Shine Bright’s Millewa kindergarten. She has drawn on her experience to reinvigorate Millewa Kindergarten and strengthen quality outcomes for children and families.

Connie champions access to a high-quality kindergarten program in which every child feels a strong sense of belonging, safety and connection. She has strengthened relationships between the kindergarten, the local school and the wider community, going above and beyond to advocate for remote children and families.  

Her focus on growing connections between kindergarten and school is supporting positive, confident transitions. Through reflective practice and a steadfast commitment to quality, Connie has enhanced the program, learning environments and children’s outcomes. 

Connection, collaboration and opportunity 

Collaboration sits at the heart of Connie’s approach. She has strengthened the connection between the kindergarten and primary school to enrich children’s experiences and support confident transitions to school. This includes participating in school events and special days, and welcoming the junior grades to kindergarten each week.

Connie has also expanded learning through excursions and connections with the wider Mildura community, creating experiences that may not otherwise be accessible in a remote setting. She actively connects with other Shine Bright Kindergartens, creating opportunities for Millewa children to visit other services for excursions and incursions.

Her collaboration extends to local agencies and organisations, including MDAS, CP and Allied Health Services, to support each child’s development. This commitment to continuous improvement has also seen Millewa recognised by the Victorian Government as a Healthy Eating Early Childhood Service through the Smiles for Miles Program

Courageous leadership grounded in care 

What distinguishes Connie is her courage, commitment and passion for making a difference in a remote community. She embraced the opportunity to lead a remote kindergarten and has remained unwavering in ensuring every child feels safe, valued and connected. Connie builds respectful relationships with families and the local primary school, recognising their importance to children’s wellbeing, learning and successful transitions.

Most of all, she brings compassion and care to every child and family. She takes time to understand each child’s individual needs and advocates strongly for their wellbeing and development.

Connie is also generous in sharing her knowledge, experience and professional practice with her team, supporting and empowering others to grow. Her leadership is grounded in commitment, collaboration and a deep belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of where they live.

A remarkable year of progress 

Connie’s journey from leading a large service to leading a remote community kindergarten has not always been easy. At times it has been confronting and challenging, yet those challenges have strengthened rather than diminished her compassion and determination to advocate for the children, families and community she serves.  

In just one year, Millewa Kindergarten has progressed from Working Towadrs to Meeting,  with two areas recognised as Exceeding. It is a significant achievement that reflects Connie’s unwavering commitment to quality, continuous improvement and ensuring every child in this remote community receives the high-quality early learning experience they deserve.  

Congratulations, Connie, on this well-earned recognition. We wish you every success at the awards ceremony!