Gilgandra Preschool stood out from hundreds of services across Australia to win at the HESTA Early Childhood Education and Care Awards on Friday 3 October.

A "shocked" preschool director Kristy Hyndes accepted the Outstanding Service Award in Perth from a pool of two other finalists from Shellharbour and Melbourne.

An announcement from award sponsor HESTA said the community-run service was recognised for "its inclusive, innovative approach to rural early education."

They went home with a trophy and $10,000, which Ms Hyndes said will go towards their programs.

"I think it's having passion and dedication for children, putting them at the forefront, having out-of-the-box ideas," she said.

"We have a full early intervention program at the preschool where we actually hire an occupational therapist and a speech pathologist who come in and not only deliver programs to children one day a week, but they train our staff in delivering these programs.

"We're trying to access children early who might need support so that we can get them in for any referrals."

Uncle Ralph Naden teaching children about Aboriginal song and instruments at the preschool. [IMAGE: Gilgandra Preschool]

The award panel also applauded the preschool for providing transport, fully-subsidised fees and cultural programs.

They include twice-a-week trips to a 25-acre property where children are involved in nature-based learning, connect to the land and explore the natural environment.

Ms Hyndes said they also incorporate the Wiradjuri language throughout the service, where close to half the children enrolled are Aboriginal.

There were about 250 nominations across three categories.

"Just because we live rural, regionally remotely, doesn't mean that we can't do the bigger things," said Eumungerie parent Jess Turnbull said.

She began sending her three-year-old youngest Sam to the preschool in 2023 after they moved to the area from Queensland the year before.

Children take part in the twice-a-week 'Bush Preschool' on a property owned by the service. [IMAGE: Gilgandra Preschool]

"My oldest went to a preschool that is in suburbia, and Sam's been offered tenfold more than what Max was. Our regional location isn't a hindrance. It's a benefit.

"This award is such a huge achievement, and they deserve all the successes that follow from winning this.

"I will be so sad at the end of this year when my youngest is no longer a ‘student’ there."