Reception in support of the 36th Early Childhood Australia National Conference

Early Childhood Australia, National President, Mr Trevor Brown, Queensland Branch Chair, Mr Jason de Bakker and CEO, Ms Samantha Page; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here this evening.

Graeme and I take great delight in welcoming you to Government House for this reception on the eve of your 36^th National Conference and in support of the wonderful work you undertake in the realm of early childhood.

So many important elements constitute the care and development of our youngest members of society to set them up to participate fully in life as they grow.

As our nation’s peak early childhood advocacy organisation, much responsibility lies with Early Childhood Australia to determine the best way forward for young children, their families and those who deliver early childhood services.

Everyone benefits when our children are well cared for, treated with respect and equipped to go into adolescence and beyond, in a socially integrated manner.

Because so much change occurs between birth to eight years, a great deal of thought must inform service delivery. A national conference is always a fabulous opportunity to bring together the best minds to ensure that children remain at the centre of policy and program design, and that those educating and caring for them are well equipped to oversee this task that is so critically important to the wellbeing of our communities.

With this year’s theme, ‘Realising the Vision: an integrated future for the early years’, there is sure to be robust discussion around what best practice looks and feels like, which – alongside ongoing research in the field – will inform any future directional change.

I am happy to see that one constant has stood the test of time, and that’s the importance of play, and play-based learning. I know that Early Childhood Australia champions this approach, and those who teach through play are very well supported in their endeavours.

This evening, I would like to wish you well for your upcoming conference. There is no doubt that many challenges exist in the field of early childhood education and care, but also much joy. It is through the work that you do that our children are empowered to move confidently and happily through their lives.

As your proud Patron, I wish you a most empowering and enriching four days ahead and look forward to continuing to support your important work.

Thank you.