Willi Wag Tails Family Day Care named national finalist in child care awards from 5000 nomineesHannah WhiteheadNarrogin ObserverWed, 8 October 2025 3:00PMEmail Hannah Whitehead
A regional family day care operator that provides crucial services across the State has been named a national finalist for its exceptional support for small-town educators, children and families.
Established in 2019, Willi Wag Tails Family Day Care is one of four national finalists for the 2025 Family Day Care Australia Excellence in Family Day Care Awards.
Whittled down from 5000 nominees, the winner of the national service of the year title will be revealed at an awards gala on October 25 in Melbourne.
Willi Wag Tails Family Day Care manager Sharon Palumbo said she felt a mixture of shock and excitement by the news.
“It’s a big recognition,” she said.
Managed from the Shire of Williams, Willi Wag Tails offers family day care services across the State in Williams, Narrogin, Dumbleyung, Northam, Beverly, Wyalkatchem, Kellerberrin, Beacon, Bencubbin, Wickepin and Broome.
Operating from their homes or venues, Willi Wag Tails’ 16 educators can each care for up to four children aged 0-4 and three school aged kids from pre-primary to Year 6.
Ms Palumbo said Willi Wag Tails covers such a vast area to ensure child care is accessible to everyone which helps attract young families to small towns while simultaneously helping the town evolve.
“When young families relocate to new towns they don’t often have grandparents, aunties or close friends, so family day care becomes an extension of these young families lives,” she said.
“Family day care is such a valuable childcare service and it makes a huge difference in rural and remote communities that can’t sustain long day care.
“It’s an intimate service where the educators become part of the family’s lives.
“Without child care, communities can’t grow.”
Family Day Care Australia chief executive Andrew Paterson said they had received 5000 award nominations this year for services, educators and co-ordinators, highlighting day care’s valuable role.
“Willi Wag Tails Family Day Care’s selection as a service national finalist is a testament to the impact (the day care) has had on educators, children, families and the local community,” he said.
“The awards play a key role in recognising the achievements of services on a national level and provide an opportunity to highlight the unique benefits of family day care to Australian families.”
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails
Read more on The West Australian
