Murrindindi Children’s Network C.A.R.E conference a big success after 2020’s troubles

Murrindindi Children’s Network held its annual Early Learning Conference last month at Holmesglen at Eildon, after last year’s event was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The Network provides important care and services to children and families in the Shire and is supported by Murrindindi Shire Council. In 2021, the conference was ‘C.A.R.E’ – which stands for ‘Children Need Connection, Attachment, Relationships, Every Day’.

Keynote speakers included Walter Mikac AM, cofounder of The Alannah and Madeline Foundation, who delivered “an incredibly moving talk” about his experience of losing his wife and two daughters in the Port Arthur massacre. 

Other speakers included Karen Dimmock, CEO of the Association for Children with a Disability, Early Childhood Consultant Louise Doratt, and Jo Fasano and Danni Forjam from the Department of Education and Training Victoria.

Participants discussed working with children with a disability; the importance of incorporating music and play into early learning programs; the need to ensure quality education options are available for children in out-of-home care; and, promoting an understanding of the additional needs of vulnerable children in our community.

“It was an excellent opportunity for those working in the early childhood sector to meet with other professionals and it was fantastic to learn about some of the important issues that relate to the health and wellbeing of the children in our Shire,” Council’s Community Engagement and Wellbeing Portfolio Councillor Damien Gallagher said.

Attendees included all of the Shire’s Family Day Care educators, kindergarten teachers and educators from all of the Shire’s pre-schools, as well as staff from FamilyCare and the Department of Education and Training Victoria.