In August 2018, the Australian Government announced a number of changes to student loans, which may impact those choosing to study early childhood education and care. A number of the changes are due in 2020, meaning they may impact the course and institution choices made by those pursuing further early childhood education and care (ECEC) studies, or making choices about how debt is repaid.

A survey conducted by the Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) has found that many “qualified” staff lack basic knowledge of child safety, food safety or hygiene, expressing concern to local news source The Courier Mail that many graduates “can’t change a nappy and struggle with English”.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has responded to ten common myths which persist in a variety of sectors, including early childhood education and care (ECEC), often representing pitfalls for younger or less experienced workers.

Faith Kennedy, a 31-year-old Wiradjuri woman from Leeton, recently graduated from TAFE NSW with a Certificate III in early childhood, saying she was drawn to working in the sector because she wanted to assure parents who are dealing with hurt and apprehension arising from the Stolen Generations that there is someone who understands their struggles.

Mungindi is a small country town straddling the New South Wales/Queensland border. At last count, just over 600 residents lived on the NSW side of the town, and close to 150 on the QLD side. It’s the place UK national Rebecca Ellison has called home since 2015.