Class act for Millicent educators

ACHIEVEMENTS: Gladys Smith Early Learning Centre educator Ellie Sullivan and centre director Clara Walker proudly hold their certificates.

MILLICENT educator Ellie Sullivan was awarded the prestigious Dianne Manhood Memorial Award at the annual Limestone Coast Early Years Forum.

The award, sponsored by the Wattle Range Council, was introduced in 2012 in memory of Dianne Manhood, who was a well-respected community leader and a long-serving director of the Gladys Smith Early Learning Centre.

Recognized for her “commitment to excellence in Early Years”, Ms Sullivan – a Gladys Smith Early Learning Centre employee – is a passionate advocate of children and families in the community and inspires innovation in her field.

The award includes a $500 prize for on-going professional development.

Ms Sullivan was congratulated by mentor and centre director Clara Walker who also acknowledged for her dedication to early education when she was named one of five state finalists for director of the year in the national Australian Family Awards earlier in the year.