2023 ECA National Conference, 4 - 7 October 2023, Adelaide

2023 Early Childhood Australia National Conference, 4–7 October, Adelaide

Kumarninthi—Becoming one: Old ways, new wisdom

Kumarninthi—Becoming one: Old ways, new wisdom is the theme for the 35th ECA National Conference, to be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre, South Australia, from Wednesday 4 October to Saturday 7 October 2023.

The theme title reinforces that although we still hold on to and value old ways, theoretical perspectives and knowledge, there is and can be a contemporary approach to implementing this into new wisdom and becoming one.

Kumarninthi means ‘becoming one’ and comes from the South Australian Kaurna people. By using the Kaurna language in our conference theme we pay our respect to the Kaurna heritage and people of Adelaide and the Adelaide Plains.

The ECA National Conference provides a platform for professional discourse relevant to the rights, wellbeing and early education of young children (birth to eight years). It is attended by early childhood educators, teachers, service leaders and executives, as well as policy-makers, program administrators, academics, researchers and those involved in pre-qualification training and ongoing professional development.

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2022 ECA National Conference Highlights

Children’s multilingual lives

Language is something we do as we co- construct, symbolise and communicate the ideas and sentiments we consider important, including moral and social.

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Ecological identity and sustainability

Growing children’s understanding of their natural world and their role within that world is an increasing priority within early childhood services.

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Deep listening and two-way learning

Australia’s First Nations people invite us to be still, to listen deeply, and to learn their ways—their connection to country, their language and knowledge.

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Moving forward; standing strong

At the Hobart 2019 Conference Rachel Robertson said that leadership is not a position or a role but rather seeing that something needs to be done and doing it.

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Diversity, inclusion and the rights of all children

How can we learn from the various lived experiences of children to ensure we facilitate a space that safeguards the rights for all to learn, develop and grow?

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Welcome from Trevor Brown, ECA National President

Trevor Brown, ECA National President

The Early Childhood Australia (ECA) National Conference is so many things—a platform for sharing ideas and theories, a showcase of exemplary practice, and an opportunity to connect and celebrate. It is highly anticipated and it never fails to excite and inspire.

This year, the 35th ECA National Conference is called Kumarninthi—Becoming one: Old ways, new wisdom. Kumarninthi, from the Kaurna language group, reminds us, no matter where we are on our individual learning journeys, that good things can happen when we are all professionally travelling in the same direction. Whether working with children, making policy, or providing services, we need to engage with reliable information and make time to connect and converse.

During the 2023 ECA National Conference and associated events, you will have many opportunities to meet with old and new acquaintances and to forge relationships with others from the sector and beyond. I look forward to warmly welcoming delegates to the 35th ECA National Conference, Kumarninthi—Becoming one: Old ways, new wisdom in Adelaide this October!

Discount for ECA Members

Discount for ECA members

Early Childhood Australia members receive a discount to the conference. If you are interested in becoming a member, there are a variety of Early Childhood Australia membership categories to choose from.

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Become a sponsor

Become a sponsor

The 2023 ECA National Conference Sponsorship and Exhibition Prospectus will be launching soon. If you are interested in sponsoring or exhibiting with us next year, please click below to submit an expression of interest.

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Registration

Registration

Registration for the 2023 ECA National Conference is open!

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Location

Adelaide Convention Centre

North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000

+61 2 6242 1800 conference@earlychildhood.org.au

Our Sponsors

We would like to thank our sponsors—without your support the ECA National Conference would not be possible.

Modern Teaching Aids logo

Modern Teaching Aids has been helping teachers and educators deliver the right learning outcomes for over 65 years. We stock the largest array of teaching resources and education supplies in Australia.

Our extensive range of educational products has been sourced from around the world to ensure Australian educators and their students have access to the best quality products. All resources come with a 12-month warranty and are quality assured. We stock over 20,000 resources in robotics, digital technologies, art & craft, mathematics, literacy resources, developmental products, centre consumables, STEAM, stationery, science equipment, STEM, sporting gear, children’s furniture, books, play and educational toys. And all our resources come with a 12-month warranty and are quality assured.

Visit www.teaching.com.au or contact our specialist team by email at sales@teaching.com.au or by phone on 1800 251 497.

  • MTA - Modern Teaching Aids
  • Government of South Australia, Department for Education
  • G8 Education
  • Woolworths at Work
  • KU Children's Services
  • Goodstart Early Learning
  • HESTA
  • xplor Education
  • Gowrie Australia
  • Be You, Beyond Blue, Growing a mentally healthy generation
  • Adelaide Convention Centre logo
  • C&K Childcare and Kindergarten
  • Reconciliation Australia
  • Australian Child Care Career Options (ACCCO)
  • Australian Government, Department of Education
  • NSW Government
  • Queensland Government
  • Victoria State Government, Department of Education
  • Uniting
My Country

© Licensed by Aunty Suzanne Russell

SUZANNE'S STORY

Aunty Suzanne is a Kaurna Elder, Traditional Owner and Member of the Stolen Generation. She is a qualified educator with over 36 years’ experience, holding positions as a deputy principal, preschool director and classroom teacher. Suzanne was also a Lecturer with the University of South Australia and has authored more than 14 curriculum documents in Aboriginal studies. She was previously appointed by the Minister to the South Australian Aboriginal Education and Training Advisory Committee and served as both Deputy Chair and Executive Officer. She has been an Executive Director of the Department of State Aboriginal Affairs and a Foundation employee of the South Australian Social Inclusion Unit. Aunty Suzanne is currently an Aboriginal Cultural Advisor and Mentor/Welcome to Kaurna Country and an Ambassador for Nature Play SA.