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.
Learn MoreEcological 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.
Learn MoreDeep 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.
Learn MoreMoving 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.
Learn MoreDiversity, 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?
Learn MoreWelcome from 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.
Learn MoreBecome 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.
Learn MoreRegistration
Registration
Registration for the 2023 ECA National Conference is open!
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Learn MoreLocation
Adelaide Convention Centre
Our Sponsors
We would like to thank our sponsors—without your support the ECA National Conference would not be possible.
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© 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.