Kirsty & Chloe (Recognition Plus)
Founded in 1994 as a Queensland retailer of awards and trophies to ‘recognise’ moments, milestones and amazing deeds, We exist to support recognition (and celebration!) of brands, people and relationships. Kirsty brings massive experience in project management and client relations. Chloe has years of experience in marketing and PR, as well as a background in Education and teaching. Together they have grown Recognition Plus to become a national leader and preferred supplier of high quality, corporate and promotional merchandise that help businesses to strengthen their culture, communicate their personality and core values and actively build brand awareness and affinity.
Nicole Delaney
Nicole Delaney is an experienced teacher and teacher educator, currently a lecturer in Early Childhood Education at the University of Southern Queensland. Nicole began her teaching career at Maridahdi Community School in Toowoomba and has a strong passion for early childhood ways of working ways of working, particularly as children transition into the early years of school. She is an advocate for the arts, getting messy and being outside. She sees the early childhood field as a space for reimagining caring, more sustainable, more relational futures.
Dr Michelle Turner
Michelle Turner has been a practising early childhood educator for
over 25 years and is currently lecturing in Early Childhood Education
at the University of Southern Queensland. Her research interests include
the development and continuance of professional identity, early childhood
leadership and advocacy, and early childhood literacy. Her PhD research
was around the impact of reform on early childhood educators, and the
implications of this for their professional practices.
Dr Nicole Green
Nicole is a curriculum inquirer interested in the experiences of curriculum planned and enacted, and the meaning of those experiences for teachers, children and families. Currently, Nicole holds the position of Senior Lecturer in the School of Education at the University of Southern Queensland, where she teaches and mentors pre-service teachers, supports postgraduate students, and leads research initiatives that contribute to more responsive, inclusive, and reflective curriculum practices.
Melissa Taylor
Councillor Melissa Taylor was born Toowoomba, where she underwent her formative education before completing a Bachelor of Business, double major in Economics and Politics at University of Southern Queensland.
Melissa then embarked on a 14-year tenure in retail management, before joining Taylor’s Removals, her family's enterprise, where she ascended to the role of Managing Director. Melissa's commitment to civic duty and community engagement has been unwavering. She has lent her expertise to various local, state and national boards, including The Empire Theatres and Toowoomba Clubhouse (now Momentum Health), exemplifying her dedication to the cultural and social fabric of her locale. In her current capacity as a Councillor, Melissa continues to demonstrate her steadfast commitment to public service as does her proactive approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of the constituents of our Region.
Arlene Keating
Arlene Keating is an accomplished professional in Early Childhood Education and Care with over three decades of dedicated experience. Holding an Advanced Diploma in Children's Services and a Dual Diploma in Training and Assessment, Arlene has spent 15 years at TAFE Queensland, shaping the next generation of educators. Her expertise and commitment have made her a trusted leader in the field, ensuring the highest standards of care and education for children while mentoring aspiring professionals.
Emma Orange
Emma is an esteemed member of the Toowoomba community as an early childhood professional who embodied various roles in youth work and OSHC settings. Emma has since commenced a degree in Social Science while starting her own family alongside husband Mack. They are raising 2 bubbly twins while growing their business as co-owners of Bridgestone Select in Darling Heights.
Lauren Pidding
Lauren is an award winning Early Childhood teacher with 16 years of experience in the Early childhood field. She has taught in and managed various centres in Sydney and currently supports multiple centres in uplifting practice as a Goodstart Practice Partner. She upholds great aspirations for the lives of young children and understands the importance of inspiring, recognising and celebrating the great work that Educators do daily.