It takes a village to raise a family. Practitioners working in the early years play a vital role in the lives of young children, and lay the foundations for their future learning, development and well-being.
On May 16 and 17, the Early Years Conference at the Cairns Convention Centre will bring local early years practitioners together for two days of learning and discussion with peers on promoting holistic, impactful work in this space.
The theme for this year's conference is "It takes a village to raise a family". In support of this theme, the conference will unite a variety of organisations and sectors, including education, health or social support services. It promotes integration and collaboration between the disciplines that are touch points for families during the early years.
Image: One of the keynote sessions at the 2022 Early Years Conference
Foundation for children’s development
First held in 2009, this year will mark the 12th time the Early Years Conference has taken place.
It has been organised through collaboration between The Benevolent Society, Mission Australia, Queensland Department of Education, the Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services, Queensland Health, ACT For Kids, The Cairns Institute, James Cook University and Wuchopperen Indigenous Health Service.
Cassy Bishop, Manager for the Cairns and Gordonvale Early Years Centres at The Benevolent Society, said: “Children and their families need to feel safe, connected and supported to thrive. Throughout their lifetime, children and their families will interact with a variety of services for support on their journeys.
“The Early Years Conference brings professionals from these different sectors together for two days of learning and networking with peers to enhance how this support is delivered.”
Image: The Benevolent Society at the 2022 Early Years Conference.
Promoting holistic, impactful early years support
Dr Karen Struthers, who brings a wealth of experience across social work, advocacy, policy, education and research, will host the conference.
There will also be four keynote addresses from prominent voices in the Australian early years space:
Keynote session one: Dr Rachael Beswick, Director First 2000 Days, Reform Office, Strategy, Policy and Reform Division, Queensland Health - Topic: Reforming the First 2000 Days in Queensland
Keynote session two: Dr Sharon Goldfeld, Director of Centre for Community Child’s Health, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute - Topic: Radical Pragmatism: Can we address early childhood health and developmental inequity within a generation?
Keynote session three: Simon Fewings, National Director for the Early Years, SNAICC – National Voice for our Children - Topic: Growing our kids up strong: How community led early years services support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to thrive
Keynote session four: Michael Hogan, Adjunct Professor and Convenor of Thriving Kids Queensland Partnership - Topic: Today’s Children, Tomorrow’s Future: Partnering for childhood building
Over the two days, attendees will also network with their peers and attend workshop learning sessions.
These interactive sessions will cover everything from how working in community settings supports best practice and outcomes for families, ways to support children's mental health in play settings, and how to help neurodivergent children feel confident and comfortable in their own skin.
“Early years support often involves integrated services across sectors including education, health and social welfare. Collaboration across these sectors helps early years practitioners grow in their roles and learn new ways of delivering this support to children and their families,” Cassy added. “The Cairns Early Years Conference continues to play a central role in enabling this collaboration and knowledge-sharing between our industry peers.”
Further details on the keynote speaker sessions, workshops, and options for purchasing tickets to attend the conference can be found here.
The Benevolent Society has been delivering early childhood and family support services to some of Queensland’s most disadvantaged families for over 15 years, through their three Early Years Places (EYPs) in Browns Plains, Gold Coast and Cairns and their seven satellite sites in Gordonvale, Upper Coomera, Nerang, Coolangatta, Beaudesert, Acacia Ridge and Labrador.
For more information on the range of Early Childhood Years services and programs delivered by The Benevolent Society, click here or call 1800 236 762.