Double honour for former Yarram girl in early childhood education

FROM the classrooms of Carrajung Primary School and Yarram Secondary College to receiving two prestigious awards on the national stage, former Yarram district Samantha Vale (née Kemp) is proving that determination, leadership and community spirit can make a lasting difference.

Now Director of Windsor Community Children's Centre (WCCC) in Melbourne, Sam has enjoyed an extraordinary weekend of recognition for her tireless efforts to save the centre from closure and secure its future for local families.

Sam was recognised at the 2026 HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards, held in Melbourne on October 2, for her outstanding leadership in a two-year community campaign that united families, educators, volunteers and political representatives.

Adding to the celebrations, Sam was also named the recipient of the prestigious Barbara Creaser Champion Award at the 2026 Early Childhood Australia Awards, completing a remarkable double honour for the former Yarram Secondary College student.

The recognition follows an extraordinary campaign that saw Sam rally an entire community in a determined fight to keep Windsor Community Children's Centre operating.

What began as a battle to prevent the closure of a much-loved local childcare centre developed into a major community movement, ultimately securing $8.4 million in combined federal and council funding.

Under Sam's leadership, the campaign generated record-breaking numbers of government submissions and attracted bipartisan political support, highlighting the strength of a community united behind a common cause.

Most importantly, the campaign has helped ensure that 54 children can continue accessing quality early childhood education within their own community.

For Sam, whose educational journey began at the small rural Carrajung Primary School before continuing at Yarram Secondary College, the awards represent significant milestones in a career dedicated to supporting young children and their families.

Her achievements are also a reminder that people who grow up in small country communities can go on to make an enormous difference well beyond their hometowns.

The campaign was no small undertaking, with more than 500 volunteer hours contributed by those determined to secure the centre's future.

While Sam's leadership was central to the campaign's success, she was quick to acknowledge the many people who stood alongside her throughout the two-year battle.

She thanked the team who supported her every step of the way, along with everyone who fought for, listened to and stood beside the centre during its fight to remain open.

The HESTA Early Childhood Education & Care Awards recognise outstanding contributions to Australia's early childhood education sector, while the Barbara Creaser Champion Award provides further recognition of Sam's commitment to advocating for children, families and quality early learning services.

Receiving recognition at two major industry awards in the same weekend is an exceptional achievement and reflects the impact of Sam's dedication, determination and leadership.

For the Yarram district, her success is another example of a local girl taking the values of community spirit, resilience and commitment into her chosen profession and achieving great things.

From her early school days in Carrajung (which is no longer) and Yarram to leading a successful community campaign in Melbourne, Samantha Vale has demonstrated that standing up for what matters can bring about real change.

And for the 54 children and their families whose early learning centre now has a secure future, her determination has made a difference that will be felt for years to come.