ECEC Workforce and Wellbeing Forum hailed an “outstanding success” delivering insight, support and solutions

The inaugural Workforce and Wellbeing Forum, held on 17 July in Melbourne, brought together early childhood education and care (ECEC) professionals from across the country to explore pressing sector issues and actionable solutions.

 

Hosted by The Sector, the one-day event was a resounding success, with delegates praising the forum’s dynamic format, practical content, and the opportunity to engage with peers, policymakers and thought leaders.

 

Attendees were welcomed with a morning keynote from Jason Roberts, Founder and CEO of Sector Publishing, who set a purposeful tone for the day by reflecting on the sector’s ongoing transformation and the power of collective leadership. 

 

“The challenges we face are complex, but the expertise and passion in this room show that we already hold many of the solutions,” Mr Roberts said. His opening address laid the foundation for a carefully curated program that transitioned seamlessly between policy, practice and educator wellbeing. 

 

 

Sessions explored a wide range of topics, including:

 

• ECEC Workforce Policy Environment – Exploring the past, present and future; 
• Educator Wellbeing – The power of wellbeing programs in ECEC settings; 
• Attraction and Retention – How do you build, and keep, your dream team; and
• A reflective Fireside Chat – In conversation with an ECEC champion featuring Myra Geddes.

 

 

Set within an intimate and highly interactive environment, the forum attracted a strong, diverse audience, including educators, approved providers, researchers and consultants, who engaged deeply in discussions around workforce attraction and retention, leadership development, policy reform, sector identity, and the essential role of wellbeing in sustaining high-quality early learning.

 

One of the discussions centred on current policy challenges and opportunities, with panellists unpacking and offering clarity on the evolving policy landscape, encouraged constructive critique, and highlighted the need for sustained government investment to support a stable and professional workforce. Delegates welcomed the depth of insight and valued the opportunity to hear directly from senior leaders across government, policy and advocacy.

 

Throughout the day, expert panellists also covered a broad spectrum of themes, from the role of AI and data in shaping workforce design to embedding mindfulness practices in daily operations. 

 

A strong focus emerged on aligning personal and organisational philosophy, rethinking traditional recruitment strategies, building emotional safety at work, and fostering inclusive leadership cultures.

 

Practical strategies were shared for developing mindful meeting routines, strengthening induction and retention programs, and building a culture of psychological safety. Concepts such as the “tap out” system, team check-ins, affirmation rituals and personal intention-setting were explored as tools for nurturing wellbeing.

 

 

Audience feedback highlighted the value of the forum’s inclusive tone and high-calibre contributors. Many praised the openness of presenters and the immediacy of takeaways, particularly those related to critical conversations, trauma-informed leadership and cultivating wellbeing through professional identity and shared values.

 

Attendees identified key insights, including elevating the professionalism of educators, as well as the missed opportunity to explore the role of artificial intelligence and innovation in future sector reform.

 

These reflections were echoed throughout the day, with calls for greater investment in leadership capabilities, stronger communities of practice, and a values-led approach to workforce culture. The reminder that “wellbeing is everyone’s responsibility” resonated widely across sessions and discussion

 

Other critical messages from the forum included:

• Rethinking induction: embedding values and culture
• Framing wellbeing holistically, addressing workload, resourcing, expectations and psychological safety
• Creating reflective spaces for teams to process, pause and plan
• Embedding service philosophy in every touchpoint from recruitment ads to professional learning plans
• Shifting retention strategies from reactive to proactive
• Elevating educator voice in wellbeing design
• Understanding ‘what makes a difference’ and responding with practical, localised solutions

 

Panellists encouraged honest conversations about workplace behaviour, performance expectations and the emotional labour of ECEC roles. Sessions also explored tools such as Safe Work resources, leadership coaching and recognition programs grounded in service values.

 

 

Attendees gained valuable insights into policy settings, both national and state-based with references to the ACECQA workforce strategy, retention and career guides, and the Best Start, Best Life reforms. 

 

There was strong emphasis on strategic planning, accessing grants and engaging universities to strengthen placement experiences and data-informed workforce models.

 

“The real strength of this forum was its ability to create space for meaningful connection,” Mr Roberts added. “It was less about presentations, and more about listening, learning and leading together.”

 

“We have been deeply humbled by the positive feedback received from our panelists and delegates. It was undeniably an outstanding success.”

 

As ECEC professionals continue to navigate change, the forum affirmed the importance of collaboration, courage and conscious leadership. The day closed with a renewed sense of shared purpose, clarity around the sector’s direction, and hope for what can be achieved when wellbeing is prioritised alongside quality and compliance.

 

Sincere thanks to all moderators, panellists and contributors who brought depth, expertise and generosity to every session, your insights shaped a meaningful and memorable event.

 

Plans are already underway for future forums, with more opportunities to connect, learn and collaborate on the horizon. 

 

Watch this space for future events that will be hosted under The Sector Connect+ banner.