Finalists for the 2025 Goodstart Children’s Rights Education Award

The Goodstart Early Learning Children’s Rights Education Award recognises outstanding dedication to educating children, families, and communities about children’s rights in Queensland. This award celebrates organisations and individuals that inspire understanding, respect, and action around the rights of children as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

This year’s finalists show that children’s rights are not abstract principles but lived, everyday experiences. Through creativity, inclusion, and evidence-based practice, these organisations are helping children understand, experience, and advocate for their rights. Learn more about them below:

Life Ed Queensland – Empowering Children to Stand Up for Respect

Life Ed Queensland is a leading provider of health and wellbeing education, reaching more than 180,000 children each year. Their programs empower children to understand their rights to safety, education, and participation (Article 19 – Protection from Violence and Abuse; Article 28 – Right to Education; Article 12 – Right to be Heard) and provide practical strategies for applying these rights in daily life.

Their flagship initiative, Stand Up for Respect, has delivered measurable improvements in school environments. An independent Griffith University evaluation found that schools implementing the program experienced a 56% reduction in physical bullying, a 44% reduction in social bullying, and a 53% reduction in cyberbullying.

The #AussieUpstander campaign has engaged more than 5,500 students, who pledged kindness, respect, and inclusion. These commitments were transformed into a large-scale art installation, reinforcing every child’s right to be heard and to express themselves safely (Article 13 – Freedom of Expression).

“Life Ed Queensland empowers children with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to live safe, healthy lives. Our work ensures they can stand up for themselves and respect the rights of others.” – Taryn Black, CEO

CircUP Arts – Rights in the Ring

CircUP Arts in Townsville is redefining rights education through circus. Each week, more than 135 children participate in workshops that build confidence, belonging, and self-expression, supporting their rights to play, inclusion, and cultural participation (Article 31 – Right to Play and Cultural Life; Article 15 – Freedom of Association; Article 2 – Non-discrimination).

Their Circus with a Message initiative reaches over 5,000 people annually through performances exploring safety, inclusion, and resilience. CircUP Arts are currently co-designing the Rights in the Ring illustrated handbook with children aged 8 to 12, blending circus metaphors with rights education.

The Junior Assistant Trainer program gives young people leadership opportunities, further embedding their right to participate and contribute (Article 12 – Right to be Heard).

“CircUP Arts provides a safe and inclusive environment where children feel accepted and celebrated. Our programs show them that their voices matter.” – Aaron Loveday, Founder

Melissa Biedak - Neurodiverse Playhouse – Inclusion in Action

Melissa Biedak founded Neurodiverse Playhouse which creates play-based learning spaces where neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ children feel safe, respected, and included (Article 23 – Rights of Children with Disabilities; Article 2 – Non-discrimination; Article 13 – Freedom of Expression).

Melissa’s experience raising a child with ASD and ADHD inspired the playhouses, which provide spaces where children can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. Programs such as Healthy Bodies, Healthy Mind and Wander the Wombat teach children about their rights through everyday experiences.

“Sometimes the simplest acts, like celebrating a birthday for our therapy guinea pigs, make a huge difference. They teach children that their right to joy, belonging, and participation matters.” – Melissa Biedak

Neurodiverse Playhouse also provides educators with free resources and training to support inclusive classrooms. By equipping schools and communities with practical strategies, the organisation fosters systemic change that respects every child’s individuality and identity.

Celebrating Community Champions

Life Ed Queensland, CircUP Arts, and Melissa Biedak's Neurodiverse Playhouse show that children’s rights are best understood when actively experienced. Whether through classrooms, circus rings, or inclusive play spaces, these organisations ensure children grow up safe, respected, and empowered to thrive.

We also celebrate the many other nominees in this category, whose dedication to rights education continues to shape more inclusive, informed, and respectful communities across Queensland. Together, they demonstrate that education is a powerful tool for making children’s rights real in everyday life.

This award is proudly sponsored by Goodstart Early Learning. The award winner will be announced on 21 October 2025 during Children's Week.

Learn more about the Children's Week Awards here.