Local women shine in early childcare

Erin Renae Haslet from White Gum Valley's Smileys Childcare Centre was named in the Rising Star of the Year category, while Shari Edwards from Hilton's First Steps Early Learning Centre made the cut in the Educator of the Year category. Lisa Godwin, the director of both centres, is a finalist in Director of the Year.

Ms Edwards said it was the second year she had made the shortlist.

"To be nominated and recognised as a finalist two years in a row now is an amazing feeling," she said.

"I feel appreciated by my colleagues, the children and their families on a regular basis, receiving hugs, kind words and even gifts, but to be in the running for an award feels very special.

"Being recognised in this way will help to give some exposure to the amazing work that early childhood educators do."