It’s second nature for Axedale’s Sue Harkins to treat all the children in her care like family.
The community-minded Bendigo Family Day Care operator had a simple desire in the beginning – to be available for her children after school and during the holidays. That’s grown into big things with Sue marking 30 years as an early childhood educator this year.
“Children are great,” she says. “It’s so nice to see them grow from little babies to kinder children and beyond. Seeing the children grow and develop, I find it so rewarding to be a part of that.”
Life on the land is also something Sue has cherished, and with a hobby farm as the backdrop to her day care setting learning has never been so fun or realistic for the kids who arrive each day.
“Everyone loves the small farm set up,” she laughs. “During my time we’ve had calves, pigs, sheep and guinea pigs. We’ve still got some sheep, one tiny lamb and another on the way.
“The families really love seeing the newborns and watching them grow.
“While we don’t have a typical day, I do love exploring with the kids each day. We look for birds and bugs. And we explore how the garden and trees change, and how the vegetable seeds grow when you water them.”
Of course, from the rural setting comes rural living with community a key feature, and in Axedale Sue is at the heart of it. She organizes Santa’s ride in the fire truck for his yearly visit and helps cook the BBQ at the Carols by Candlelight, Australia Day and Quick Shear events (just to name a few!). She’s been a CFA member for 25 years and is also on a number of committees. Her dedication to the community saw her awarded Axedale’s Citizen of the Year a few years ago. It’s an award she’s humbly proud of.
“The CFA and committees are a big part of my life, and my family’s,” she says. “I have done my general firefighting course, so I can be a firefighter, but I changed my role to Communication and Community Awareness Officer years ago and the position has stuck. My husband was also captain of the CFA for 25 years and now my son has been captain for four years, we all just like being involved with and helping the community.
“The award was a very big surprise, but I feel proud of it… and a little embarrassed by all the attention.”
For the nan to three (officially, and unofficially to an entire rural community) all the awards in the world wouldn’t compare to the feeling she gets being an early childhood educator.
“Children love your time and free play and you’ve always got the open natural environment to guide you,” she says.
“I love children learning and growing with me. I love helping families in any way I can. Having grandchildren has really made me appreciate that the children who come to me often do because they don’t have the privilege of being cared for by their grandparents. That’s why I treat all children as if they are part of my family.
“I really enjoy being a Bendigo Family Day care provider. Yes, you have your ups and downs but Bec and Tam are a great help and I have built lifelong friendships as I’ve gone along. It’s been the perfect set up for my family.”
From the CFA to farm life and family day care, Sue is leading by example says Bendigo FDC Nominated Supervisor Tamarra Tie.
“Not only are the children in Sue’s care learning about the land and the cycles of life, they are seeing firsthand a sense of belonging and what it means to be part of a community,” she says. “Sue is such a valued part of the Bendigo Family Day Care community. We are so thankful for all that Sue has done over her 30 years and the impact she has had. What can I say, Sue is an absolute treasure.”
Emma Sartori
September 8, 2025
