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An Award Winning Culture! A Chat with Centre Director Leanda Rodham from Gowrie NSW Lithgow

Gowrie NSW has just been awarded 'Change Champions 2025' and 'Best Workplace' Award 2025. 

Our beautiful centre in Lithgow is nestled in a valley just west of the Blue Mountains, and we're looking for educators who are passionate about early childhood education.  We talked to Centre Director Leanda Rodham about the supportive, community-oriented environment at Lithgow, and prioritising the development of children through empowerment, strong respectful relationships and play-based learning.

An inside look

We asked Leanda what makes the centre such a special place to work and learn. She shared her insights on the supportive team culture, the centre’s beautiful spaces, and the opportunities for professional development that come with being part of the Gowrie NSW family.

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A warm supportive environment

"Team culture is vital to teachers and educators. I am immensely proud of the culture at Gowrie Lithgow". Leanda says.

“Gowrie NSW won two awards this year – Change Champion, and Best Workplace Award’. It fills me with pride to work with an organisation that places its employees at the centre of its success.

“We have a well-established and fabulous support team that work for Gowrie NSW. Anything that we need, from HR to enrolments to pedagogy, we’re able to reach out to the right people who support us in any capacity,” she said. “They make our jobs and lives a lot easier and equip us with the tools and resources we need.”

That support is integral to the positive and nurturing environment Leanda has fostered at the centre. “We all work together to ensure that we support each other in everything that we do,” she explained. “We have a large team, but we come together to ensure everyone is supported, regardless of skill sets or experience.”

A Community Feel in Lithgow

Gowrie NSW Lithgow is proud to be a part of the local community, and Leanda loves the connections she has nurtured with the families and children who attend the centre.

“When I come to work at Gowrie NSW Lithgow, I know I’m going to be supported by a fantastic team, the children, and the families,” she said.

“I’m just connected to what we do here.”

The sense of community extends beyond just the children and families to the educators too. “Our environments are beautiful, set up by experienced and knowledgeable educators,” Leanda said. “We have many natural resources within our spaces, designed learning areas where children can work in small groups. The outdoor environment is spacious, with natural grass and growing trees that make the playground feel more connected to nature.”

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Empowering Children and Educators

At Gowrie NSW, the focus is on empowering both educators and children. Leanda explained that the centre’s Program Foundations of Empowerment, Respectful Relationships, Play-Based Teaching, and Practitioner Inquiry help guide the approach to early childhood education and practice at Gowrie NSW Lithgow.

“Early education and care is what children deserve,” Leanda said. “We are there to support children by building strong, respectful relationships. Through that, we can guide them along their lifelong learning journey.”

Leanda’s approach to leadership reflects these values as well. “The type of leader I am is one that helps to get in and get the jobs done,” she said. “I like to be in the spaces and work alongside my team, role-modelling for them, answering questions, and guiding them through everyday practice.”

Professional Development at Gowrie NSW

Professional development is a key part of working at Gowrie NSW Lithgow. Leanda shared that the Education Hub offers free professional learning opportunities for all staff, ensuring that educators have access to the latest in early childhood education.

“Our educators access professional training on a regular basis,” Leanda said. “If we need something specific for the whole team, we can reach out to the Education Hub, and they’re quick to provide us with the training or resources we need.”

The emphasis on continuous learning helps create a culture of support and growth, both for the children and the educators.

“The Gowrie NSW team are always there to support us in our professional development and continuing learning in early education and care,” Leanda explained.

A Beautiful,  Purpose-Built Centre in the Heart of Lithgow

When it comes to the working environment, Leanda is passionate about the beauty of the centre’s spaces. “Our environments are set up by experienced and knowledgeable educators,” she said. “Children have the opportunity to work in small group areas with the support of an educator to help engage them. The outdoor areas are spacious, with natural grass, plenty of opportunities for the children to explore.”

It’s clear that the centre’s surroundings, both inside and out, play an important role in providing a natural, welcoming and enriching environment for both children and educators.

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It's all about making a difference

We know it sounds cliche, but it is very true. At Gowrie NSW, it’s all about making a difference in the lives of children, educators, and the community. With a supportive team, beautiful environments, and a focus on continuous learning, it’s a place where you can truly grow and make a lasting impact.

Join our team at Gowrie NSW Lithgow

If you’re looking for a fulfilling career in early childhood education, Lithgow Early Education and Care is a centre where you’ll be supported, valued, and given the opportunity to grow. Whether you’re an experienced educator or just starting out, Leanda invites you to reach out and learn more about joining the team.

“If you want a career in early education and care, come and join our team,” Leanda said. “I’d love to have a chat with you!”

 

Roles Available

Early Childhood Educator

Early Childhood Educator (Inclusion Support)

Casual Educator

Work With Us at Gowrie NSW

 

 

 

Topic: Parenting