Rebecca Linfoot may have been surprised she made it into the final selection of one of the state’s top awards for early childhood education, but her achievements show she would be a deserving winner.
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The Merimbula resident has been announced as a finalist in the NSW Department of Education Early Childhood Educator Award, which is part of the Seven News Young Achiever Awards.
“I didn’t honestly think I’d become a finalist!” she said.
“I’m not used to being noticed for something like this, so when I was I was shocked and grateful.”
The 22-year-old was nominated through Bermagui Preschool where she works as an early childhood educator.
She loves working with children and said while some people may look on early childhood education as babysitting, it was much more than that.
“You’re helping with development and the skills for primary school to help them achieve,” Ms Linfoot said.
“It’s not an easy job and it is a bit tricky, but it’s just great.
“When the children laugh, it makes it all better.”
A Seven News Young Achiever Awards media release stated Ms Linfoot has always looked to develop new ideas and concepts, including promoting the Yuin culture and language.
She has encouraged sustainability in the preschool by contributing ideas to sustainable gardens, recycling, reusing and reducing.
She has contributed to fundraising for the Moodji Cultural Garden Project, been involved in the Bermagui Seaside Fair and also facilitated a vacation care program.
She thanked the preschool for nominating her and said working as an early childhood educator would be something she would be doing for a long time, whether she wins the award or not.
“I’m not that type of person that goes ‘oh good I’m going to win’,” Ms Linfoot said.
“If I was to win I’d probably frame it to be honest, to say ‘look I won’!
“It’s something nice to have to be recognised, but at the end of the day I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing with work and outside of work.”
The winners will be announced on March 1 and prizes for each category include $1000 cash and a $1000 Bartercard account.
One of the nine category winners will be chosen as the 2019 NSW/ACT Young Achiever of the Year and will receive an additional $2000.
All finalists will go into the People’s Choice Award. Search for Seven News Young Achiever Awards – NSW/ACT on Facebook and click on “Poll” on the left side of the screen to vote for your favourite finalist.
Albert McKnight
Journalist at Bega District News.
Journalist at Bega District News.
