ECEC in Focus: Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure invests in future leaders to strengthen early learning and community impact

Family-owned and operated provider Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure has marked a new milestone in its commitment to staff development, hosting its inaugural Future Leaders Conference.

Family-owned and operated provider Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure has marked a new milestone in its commitment to staff development, hosting its inaugural Future Leaders Conference.

The event is the first of its kind for Sanctuary, designed to empower emerging leaders across its services and build long-term capacity in early childhood education and care (ECEC).

The one-day conference brought together educators, mentors and guest speakers to explore leadership in both early childhood and broader professional contexts.

Highlights included:

• Leadership insights from guest speakers Jason Tuffley, offering perspectives from within and beyond the sector
• Reflections from participants, sharing experiences of growth through mentoring and masterclasses
• A panel Q&A with Sanctuary leaders Damian Hall, Matt Pease and Michelle Tuffley, joined by Jason Tuffley
• Collaborative reflection sessions, data insights, and a 360° review process to drive ongoing growth and accountability

Sanctuary Co-Founders Damian Hall and Lauren Hall said the initiative reflects their belief that leadership opportunities should be available to every team member.

“At Sanctuary, our vision is simple: we want every educator to leave Sanctuary better than when they arrived both professionally and personally,” Ms Hall said.

As a family-operated provider, Sanctuary emphasises relationships, values and long-term investment in its people. The Future Leaders program represents a continuation of that ethos, recognising that supporting educators to thrive is essential to delivering high-quality learning and care for children and families.

“This program isn’t just about developing leadership skills,” Ms Hall said. “It’s about creating a culture where educators feel supported to take risks, grow their practice, and step into new opportunities with confidence.”

The inaugural conference marks the beginning of what Sanctuary leaders describe as a long-term commitment to workforce development.

With curiosity, courage and connection at its core, the Future Leaders program will continue to provide mentoring, structured masterclasses and collaborative learning opportunities across Sanctuary services.

“This is just the start,” Ms Hall said. “We are so proud to invest in our people and to celebrate what’s possible when potential is nurtured. Together, we’re building brighter futures for our educators, for our families, and most importantly, for the children in our care.”

Learn more about Sanctuary’s vision and values at sanctuarylearning.com.au.