ACA Queensland Conference 2023 wraps up to widespread acclaim

The 2023 ACA Qld National Conference was held over three days from 16 – 18 June 2023, focusing on the theme “Early Education – it lasts a lifetime”. 

Australia’s largest long day care conference, the event attracted over 1,500 attendees, providing a valuable opportunity for approved providers, educators and sector experts to network and reflect on quality, best practice and how to improve outcomes for children across Australia.  

Delegates travelled to the Gold Coast for the occasion, and the excitement in the air was palpable. An esteemed panel of speakers included Dr Justin Coulson, co-host of Channel 9 program Parental Guidance, New Zealand’s Robin and Toni Christie, Entrepreneurial Futurist Andrew Griffiths, Rebecca Storck, Executive Director, Strategy & Policy, Early Childhood, Pedagogical Leader Early Childhood Kelly Goodsir, and Education Director Adrian Pattra-McLean.

The conference commenced on Friday 16 with the Approved Providers Panel Discussion which saw ACA National President Paul Mondo join Rebecca Storck and Nigel Ward for a three hour discussion panel which outlined the latest issues and developments in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector, sponsored by Childcare Concepts Sales and Advisory. 

A welcome event, sponsored by Kangarootime, was held in the gardens on Friday evening, allowing delegates to meet, dance, and set the tone for a weekend of professional development and networking. 

Saturday commenced with a presentation from Gold Sponsor The Guild Group, before a keynote presentation from Dr Coulson, outlining the importance of attitude in the work of the early childhood sector – including a special appearance from his wife, who shared a touching story based on her own time in the sector. 

Throughout the remainder of the day concurrent sessions were run with a stream for approved providers, and a stream more catered to those working directly with children. Trade shopping took place during breaks for morning and afternoon tea and lunch. 

Pre-dinner drinks were held from 6:30 – 7:30 PM before a Garden Party Gala Dinner, sponsored by HESTA, was held, featuring a variety of creative costumes, a packed dance floor, and the presentation of the Awards for Excellence for students of the College for Australian Early Childhood Educators. 

Sunday again saw a full program of professional learning opportunities, with Silver Sponsor presentations from Xplor and MTA along with an approved provider workshop from Respect at Work’s Dr Jacinta Buchbach.

Preparations are already underway for the next ACA Qld event. To stay across the latest developments, visit the ACA Qld website.