An exclusive “Fireside Chat” with ECEC Champion Myra Geddes

As anticipation builds for the ECEC Workforce and Wellbeing Forum in Melbourne on 17 July 2025, The Sector has confirmed one of the day’s most anticipated highlights: a fireside chat with Myra Geddes, Chief Inclusion and Strategy Officer at Goodstart Early Learning.

 

In a rare and intimate conversation with Fiona Alston, Editor of The Sector, Ms Geddes will reflect on her leadership journey, share insights into driving large-scale social impact, and discuss the future of values-driven work in early childhood education and care.

 

Myra Geddes – Educator, leader, mentor, advocate

 

Myra Geddes, who is recognised as a thought leader in the sector, brings intelligence, empathy and long-term vision to the challenges and opportunities currently facing ECEC. 

 

Her career journey from educator to policy strategist and then system leader reflects the sector’s growing complexity and the importance of embedding a social justice lens alongside impact creation at every level.

 

Across a career spending over a decade at Goodstart, Myra designed and delivered national strategies that supports inclusion, innovation and community wellbeing across more than 660 centres, ensuring the provider’s not-for-profit mission is both actionable and measurable.

 

The conversation with Ms Alston will explore Myra’s leadership journey, the programs that have shaped her thinking, and her perspective on the next frontier of meaningful, values-driven work in ECEC.

 

“Myra’s deep commitment to social justice and system-wide thinking makes her one of the most important voices in the sector today,” said Jason Roberts, Founder of The Sector. “She brings clarity, rigour and humanity to conversations that matter and this session will be no exception.”

 

Reflecting on her work, Ms Geddes said: “We can’t separate the wellbeing of educators and communities from the work we do with children. True impact requires us to embed equity, reflection and innovation into every decision.”

 

“Leadership in early childhood isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about creating spaces where people can ask better questions, share power and build solutions together.”

 

A conversation to inform and inspire

 

The session, titled In Conversation with an ECEC Champion, will span three core themes:

 

• Personal story and leadership journey
• Social impact strategy and program innovation
• Reflection on leadership and legacy

 

Myra’s story isn’t just about success, it’s about perseverance, innovation, and strategic thinking in a sector that impacts hundreds of thousands of Australian families and in an organisation that has the track record of proven success that lends real credibility to her journey. 

 

This session is a chance to learn first-hand how to approach challenges with grace and transform them into opportunities to drive meaningful change for children and educators too.

 

We couldn’t be more proud to welcome Myra to our event and are deeply grateful for her allowing us to make it happen,” Mr Roberts.

 

“Seats are limited, and demand is high for this exclusive event. We are excited to see everyone on the day.”

 

Interactive Q&A

 

The final part of the session will be reserved for audience questions, encouraging reflection and practical application. 

 

Don’t miss this landmark conversation

 

With the ECEC Workforce and Wellbeing Forum promising an energising blend of professional learning and sector connection, the fireside chat with Ms Geddes is set to be a defining moment of the day.

 

“Events like this are vital,” Mr Roberts said. “They give our sector a chance to come together, learn, and leave with the confidence and connections needed to drive change.”

 

Tickets are in high demand

 

Spaces are limited for this intimate session.

 

Register now here to secure a seat and join the conversation or contact Anna Boshell at [email protected]