Echuca's Belinda Oellermann, pictured with Teddy Solar, Addi Schroeter and Amarlia Horne, has been named the Mildura & Murray Regional Winner in the 2026 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards.
Photo by
Ivy Jensen
Belinda Oellermann had to read the email twice. Then came the tears.
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The Echuca family day care educator has been recognised among Australia’s best after winning the Mildura & Murray Regional category of the 2026 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards.
“I had tears in my eyes as I realised that I had won,” she said.
“I still can’t quite believe it, and I feel incredibly grateful and honoured to have received this recognition.
“I truly love my job and feel very lucky to do what I do.”
An Intereach Family Day Care educator, Belinda strives to create a home-like environment where children feel safe, valued and excited to learn.
“Watching them reach their developmental milestones, learn new things, and grow in confidence is incredibly rewarding,” she said.
“Seeing their little personalities shine and knowing that they feel safe and loved is something I treasure.
Echuca's Belinda Oellermann, reading to (from left) Addi Schroeter, Amarlia Horne and Teddy Solar, has been named the Mildura & Murray Regional Winner in the 2026 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards.
Photo by
Ivy Jensen
“I love making every day fun, meaningful and full of learning opportunities.”
Belinda was quick to share the recognition with her fellow family day care educators.
“I think all of us family day carers do such an amazing job,” she said.
“We each create environments that we are proud of, with the children at the centre of everything we do.”
Family Day Care Australia chief executive Andrew Paterson said Belinda embodied the dedication and care at the heart of the sector.
“Every day, Belinda creates a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow and thrive,” he said.
In its 15th year, the national awards recognise educators caring for more than 62,500 children across Australia.
Belinda’s regional victory puts her in contention to become a national finalist for the 2026 Educator of the Year Award, to be announced on October 20.
“To have the work I do with the children recognised at a national level is something I am extremely proud of,” she said.
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