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C&K Conference
On Saturday 29th July, nearly 600 attendees, from across the early childhood education and care sector, joined us for the 2023 C&K Conference – connect, reflect, and ignite for a shared future. Held on Turrbal and Jagera Country, we were welcomed by the Turrbal Tribe Dance Group. We intentionally started the day guided through box breathing by Tasneem Fataar, C&K Principal Advisor of Wellbeing & Inclusion. Graham Perret MP, Chair of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works and Federal member for Moreton, officially opened the conference, on behalf of Dr Anne Aly, Federal Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth.
Programs at the ready, the agenda was packed full of sessions relating to current and emerging pedagogical and community priorities. Over 30 leaders in the sector shared research, knowledge and thought leadership on topics including cultural capacity and reconciliation practices, nature programs, ensuring educator well-being, teaching gender equity and trauma-informed practice, and understanding children's consent rights.
Highlights of the conference were esteemed keynote presenters Dr Julia Baird and Associate Professor Fay Hadley. Dr Julia Baird shared her expertise on the importance of developing connections with ourselves, others, and the world around us and sharing this with children, while Associate Professor Fay Hadley explored key changes to the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), shedding light on the rationale behind these changes.
Connections were made from across the nation, and attendees were provided with knowledge, tools, and play-based inspiration to take back to their centres to reflect and ignite with their team, children and families.
C&K CEO, Dr Sandra Cheeseman said ‘It’s enormously rewarding that C&K’s conference is held in such high regard that we can attract the calibre of presenters, sponsors, and exhibitors we had. I think the 2023 C&K Conference truly exemplified the passion and commitment of the early childhood education and care sector in Queensland.’
Thank you to the dedicated early learning professionals from across Australia for joining us – we look forward to doing it all again next year!
2024 C&K Conference
Dates for C&K's Conference for 2024 will be announced later in the year.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about the 2023 C&K Conference, please contact our Events Team.