2026 ECA National Conference, 30 September – 3 October, Melbourne

Holding the Past, Creating the Future

The 2026 conference theme, ‘Holding the Past, Creating the Future‘ invites us to reflect on our policy and practice memory—what we have carried forward, where these ideas and approaches come from, and what may have been left out or lost within the dominant narratives of early childhood education and care. This theme encourages us to consider the cultural and historical legacies that shape our practices—what we choose to pass on—and the stories our sector will tell about this moment in time, as we continue shaping the future.

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 designed for everyone working to advance early childhood education and care in Australia, including:

• Service leaders and directors—shaping the future of early learning in their communities.
• Educators and teachers—building professional knowledge and practice across all settings.
• Policy makers and researchers—sharing the latest evidence and innovation.
• Sector partners and stakeholders—connecting with early childhood professionals nationwide.

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2025 ECA National Conference Highlights

Welcome from Trevor Brown, ECA National President

The Early Childhood Australia (ECA) National Conference is a highlight for professionals across Australia and internationally, bringing together educators, leaders, researchers and advocates who are committed to shaping the future of early childhood education and care. The four-day program offers keynote presentations, panel discussions and rich concurrent sessions that showcase innovative practice, emerging research and global perspectives. It is a place for connection, celebration, and shared learning—where ideas spark, relationships grow and the sector’s collective voice strengthens.

The theme for the 2026 ECA National Conference, ‘Holding the Past, Creating the Future’, invites us to reflect on the policy, practice and pedagogical memories that shape our sector—what we have carried forward, how these ideas and approaches came to be, and what stories may have been overlooked or lost along the way. Together, we will consider the cultural and historical legacies that influence our work, and what we choose to pass on as we continue shaping the future of early childhood education and care in Australia.

The 2026 ECA National Conference and associated events will offer many opportunities to reconnect with colleagues, make new professional friendships and engage deeply with the ideas shaping our sector’s future. I look forward to warmly welcoming you to the 38th ECA National Conference in Melbourne from 30 September to 3 October 2026.

Our Sponsors

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

Platinum Sponsor

Modern Teaching Aids (MTA): Your Trusted Partner in Inspiring Young Minds 

Since 1959, MTA has been at the forefront of Australian education, providing educators with the resources they need to unlock potential in every child. We curate a comprehensive selection of over 25,000 high-quality, globally sourced products to empower early childhood educators and inspire young learners. Our diverse range covers all subject areas and developmental stages, from art and craft supplies to literacy resources, STEAM activities, science equipment, and more. We take pride in providing quality-assured resources backed by a 12-month warranty, so you can focus on what matters most – inspiring young minds. 

Make a Difference with MTA: Join us in creating a world of wonder and discovery. Let MTA be your partner in education. 

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

Artist—Simone Thomson

Simone Thomson is a Melbourne-based Aboriginal artist and Traditional Owner of Victoria’s Woi-Wurrung Wurundjeri and Yorta-Yorta language groups through her mother, and of Irish and Scottish heritage through her father. Her art is inspired by the rich textures and colours of the land, as well as her ancestral connections to the Birrarung (Yarra River) and Dhungala (Murray River). A descendant of , Simone often features waterways in her work—intertwined with dreaming and creation stories of the sky.

Simone acknowledges the profound influence of her mother, her maternal grandmother Kooka Geraldine, and her great-grandmother Kooka Yarmuk, through whom she carries language, stories and ancestral oral histories.

Her cultural education began with traditional song and dance in early childhood and continued into her teenage years at Worawa Aboriginal College, where she became the school’s first graduating student. It was there, at the age of 15, that Simone picked up her first paintbrush and created her first dreaming story. Since then, she has continued the sacred practice of storytelling through art, finding enduring spiritual healing and strength through her cultural connection.