ANNETTE Alexander, Director of Bunyip Pre School Harden has been highly honoured by being awarded the Advocate of the Year for early childhood education at the Childcare Cooperative’ NSW Awards gala night in Sydney last Saturday.

The ‘Cee Cees Awards, for those who shine’ recognise commitment to creating and maintaining a teaching, learning and caring environment of highest standard in community childcare.

Annette was nominated for the Advocate of the Year award by the staff at Bunyip Pre School as they felt that she has shone as a director and advocate for the children, families and the wider community of Harden-Murrumburrah.

Since starting work at Bunyip over eight years ago Ms Alexander has worked tirelessly to create the best centre and education for all children. She has led major changes to upgrade and improve the centre as a whole and in working with everyone, has continually built the centre up to be an asset to the area.

Ms Alexander has lead many upgrades including the extension of the centre to a two unit facility, several playground upgrades, erecting the COLA and soft fall area and getting the long day care service up and running in 2007.

Ms Alexander is currently working very hard regarding funding and with the Bunyip Pre School building committee on further extensions to the facilities.

Ms Alexander said she was amazed when she was told was one of the top three nominees and she felt very honoured to win such a prestigious award.

“I am absolutely elated by the fact that the whole town has got behind us and the staff and has trusted us to do what is right for the town and the children,” she said.

“Hopefully it can show all pre-schools no matter how small that they can achieve big things, never give up, keep working for your dreams and hurdle any obstacle because you can do it.”