Albany educator Nicki Fairall has been recognised for her exceptional contribution to children and families, winning a regional award in the 2026 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards.
Nicki operates Lil Monkey’s Family Day Care as part of the Y WA Family Day Care program and was recognised for the positive impact she has made on local families over more than 20 years in the sector. The award marks the second time she has received the honour, having first won in 2012.
The Excellence in Family Day Care Awards are Australia’s only national awards program dedicated exclusively to family day care, recognising outstanding educators, coordinators and services across the country. More than 4,200 nominations were received for the 2026 awards.
After moving from long day care to family day care in 2005, Nicki built Lil Monkey’s around flexibility, personal connections and a strong sense of belonging for children and families.
“I absolutely love getting to watch milestones happen, those little moments that mean so much, and being a part of that.” Nicki said.
A highlight of Nicki’s career has been the lasting relationships she has developed with families, many of whom remain connected long after their children leave her care. In 2025, she celebrated 20 years of Lil Monkey’s Family Day Care with a reunion-style garden party for past and present families.
Nicki said receiving the award was especially meaningful because nominations come directly from the families she supports.
“Each and every time I have been nominated, there’s a proud feeling because the nomination comes from my families, and that’s like a pat on the back for a job well done!” she said.
The award highlights the valuable role family day care educators play in supporting children’s learning, development and wellbeing, while giving families access to flexible, personalised care in a home-based setting.
Y WA Family Day Care provides ongoing support, mentoring, resources and training to help educators across Western Australia deliver high-quality early childhood education and care tailored to the needs of their communities.
