A bossy cat, a caring character and an affectionate octopus are part of the weekly lessons that have earned Narrabeen Children’s Centre a statewide award for children’s wellbeing. Through the Kimochi program, young children are learning to recognise their emotions, express feelings and build friendships before starting school.
The Ocean Street centre won the Excellence in Children’s Wellbeing and Health category at the 2026 Excellence in Early Childhood Education Awards, which received more than 850 nominations across the program. Co-directors Brenda Bainbridge and Brigid Martin, alongside educator Larrys Lao, accepted the award at a gala ceremony at Sydney’s Fullerton Hotel.
Big Feelings, Familiar Characters
At the centre of the award-winning approach are Kimochi characters and books that introduce children to different personalities and social situations. Lovey Dovey represents a caring nature, Cat has a bossy personality, while Hugtopus is affectionate but can sometimes be overbearing.
The characters form part of weekly sessions exploring how children understand and communicate their feelings, manage challenges and develop positive relationships. The lessons are also intended to strengthen emotional skills before children make the transition to school.
Ms Sue Heins welcomed the recognition, saying the program helped children develop skills that would support their learning and relationships as they grow. According to Ms Heins, families have noticed the lessons carrying over into everyday life, with children using techniques learned at the centre to calm themselves at home. The feedback suggests the characters and activities have become familiar tools beyond the early learning setting.
From Narrabeen To Other Northern Beaches Centres
The Kimochi program has also been introduced across all nine of NBC’s long day care and preschool services, extending the approach beyond Narrabeen. Narrabeen Children’s Centre is a not-for-profit service within NBC’s early learning network, which includes preschool, long day care and family day care. NBC’s children’s services follow national reforms supporting children’s rights, curiosity, consent and voice, alongside measures to strengthen child safety.
The centre also holds an Exceeding rating under the National Quality Framework, separate from its recognition at the 2026 awards. Located at 58 Ocean Street, the centre is among NBC’s early learning services available to families seeking childcare. Information about services and applications is available through NBC’s website.
Published 6-October-2026
