Bronwyn wins prestigious Perpetual Star Award

Published on 06 January 2021

Mildura-based Family Day Care Educator Bronwyn Williams has been awarded the prestigious Perpetual Star Award as part of the 2020 Family Day Care Australia Excellence Awards.

The national award recognises Bronwyn’s significant impact and contribution to the lives of the children and families she has cared for.

Bronwyn said that she was still “shocked and surprised” by the recognition.

“Nominations for the award come from the families utilising the service,” she explained. “They (Family Day Care Australia) rang me the day before it was announced and I was in a bit of shock!

“I’m still stunned to be honest!”

Bronwyn, or ‘Nanny Bron’ as she is affectionately called by those in her care, has worked in the early education and care sector for more than two decades, caring for hundreds of children in that time.

“As an educator, I’m passionate about providing children and their families with a warm, secure environment, which offers a wide range of learning opportunities,” she said.

“I am committed to establishing great relationships with the families who use my service, liaising closely with them on their child’s development and progress.

“I work with a lot of children who have additional needs, and even though it can be hard, the rewards are there when you see these kids take those little steps forward in their development.

“I believe that families using care in my home can expect their children to be cared for in a clean, safe and caring environment.

“I love Family Day Care because it’s smaller groups, and it is like having another smaller family.”

Bronwyn has received many accolades over her career, including receiving the Family Day Care Australia Regional Educator of the Year Award four times (2013, 2016, 2019 and 2020).

Family Day Care is a home-based early childhood education and care service for children aged six weeks to 13 - or until they begin secondary school. It provides children with care while parents are working, training or taking a break.

Educators are self-employed, and are selected carefully by the Mildura Family Day Care Co-ordination Unit to provide the highest quality care.

There are currently 31 registered Educators caring for over 360 children in the Mildura local government area and Wentworth Shire.

Bronwyn encouraged like-minded educators to join the Family Day Care locally.

“What you will get out of it is the joy of watching children reach their milestones.

Council is currently recruiting for more educators, and there is the possibility of acquiring a start-up grant to assist with costs.

Enrolments are also open, with more information available online at www.mildura.vic.gov.au/familydaycare

ENDS