Educator wellbeing on the agenda at Workforce and Wellbeing Forum as Anthony Semann prepares to host panel of sector experts

Jason Roberts

Jun 17, 2025

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As excitement for the inaugural ECEC Workforce and Wellbeing Forum, to be held in Melbourne on 17 July 2025, continues to build, the team at The Sector is thrilled to confirm the composition of its wellbeing panel, which will be hosted by director of Semann & Slattery, Anthony Semann.

“It is a terrific privilege to have Anthony join our moderating team. His depth of knowledge, infectious passion, and relentless advocacy for educators has earned him unmatched respect across the ECEC sector,” said the founder of The Sector, Jason Roberts.said.

Under Anthony’s stewardship the “Educator Wellbeing – The power of wellbeing programs in ECEC” panel promises to be a must attend session for leaders looking to build wellbeing initiatives that deliver meaningful, measurable results.

Anthony Semann’s unique insights ensure panel outcomes hit the mark

As we approach the half way mark of what has already been an incredibly busy year, leaders from across the ECEC sector continue to look for ways to build on their existing efforts to build cultures that support optimum wellbeing across the workforce.

Anthony argues “When navigating cultural shifts in the workplace, leaders must remain attuned to the needs of their team. This does not mean that leaders should bear sole responsibility for everyone’s well-being; individual accountability remains essential. Rather, it’s about creating a safety net where team members feel safe to speak openly about their well-being, or lack thereof, without fear of stigma.”

“Building a culture of wellbeing begins with a strong workplace culture. A culture that views the work and leadership of early childhood education as a community not a machine, and one that places people at the centre of decision making.”

“Wellbeing is everyone’s business. While leaders play a vital role in setting the tone, it’s the collective care and attentiveness of a team that creates a truly supportive environment. We thrive when we look out for one another, not when we expect one person to carry the weight of everyone’s challenges.”

Collective experience of panelists creates perfect backdrop for insightful discussions

Joining Anthony on stage to discuss wellbeing and the many facets of this important subject will be a group of four senior leaders representing diverse view points from across the ECEC sector including Government, academia and service delivery.

“The Sector Connect+ team have always worked hard to ensure that panels include a broad range of perspectives that enable the moderator to thoroughly examine the key topics to be discussed,” Mr Roberts said.

“The experts assembled for the “Educator Wellbeing – The power of wellbeing programs in ECEC” panel will allow for exactly that. We are thrilled to welcome Pippa, Tamarra, Kara and Sue to the Forum.”

Pippa Procter - Executive Director, Early Learning Practice and Participation, Department of Education Victoria
Tamara Cumming - Associate Director, Workforce and Policy of the Children's Voices Centre, Charles Sturt University
Kara Confoy - Managing Director, Panania Preschool Kindergarten
Sue Bunting - General Manager, Kardinia Early Learning

ECEC Workforce and Wellbeing Forum, an opportunity to engage with sector leaders

The ECEC Workforce and Wellbeing Forum, an innovative new event launched as part of the Connect+ series by The Sector, aims to offer ECEC organisations and their representatives, including not-for-profit, community, and Government services, the opportunity to engage with leading subject matter experts and proven, high-profile ECEC leaders via carefully curated, moderator-led panel discussions combined with extended delegate-led Q&A.

Session 2 “Educator Wellbeing – The power of wellbeing programs in ECEC” aims to address some of the many questions facing leaders focused on creating cultures that safeguard wellbeing in their organisations.

“Our mission at The Sector has always been to equip the ECEC sector with the knowledge and tools to thrive ensuring that everyone in the sector is sufficiently informed, supported and empowered to navigate their day-to-day roles and responsibilities,” Mr Roberts said.

“This panel, and the event as a whole, will do just that. We look forward to welcoming all of the delegates on 17 July and hosting a memorable event that will become a key part of the annual events calendar.”

To find out more about the ECEC Workforce and Wellbeing Forum, click here.

More details and to register, click here or contact Anna Boshell via email at anna@thesector.com.au for more information.

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