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 21-22 May, the Early Years Conference at the Cairns Convention Centre will bring together early years practitioners from across Australia for two days of learning and discussion with peers on promoting holistic, impactful work in this space. 

First held in 2009, 2026 will mark the 13th time the Early Years Conference will take 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. 

Foundation for children’s development 

The theme for the conference is ‘Inspire. Collaborate. Act’. It highlights the importance of practitioners within different parts of the sector coming together to share knowledge, learnings, and put them into practice to best support Australian families and children. 

“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,” said Cassy Bishop, Manager for the Cairns and Gordonvale Early Years Centres at The Benevolent Society.  

“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.” 

Inspire. Collaborate. Act 

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: 

• Anne Hollonds, National Children’s Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission. Topic: In Conversation with Anne Hollonds AO 
• Janise Mitchell, CEO of the Australian Childhood Foundation and Director of the Centre for Excellence in Therapeutic Care. Topic: Creating safety, protection and healing in relationships for at risk and traumatised children:The critical role of Early Years Professionals 
• Dylan Cliff, Associate Professor, researcher and lecturer in the School of Education and Early Start at the University of Wollongong. Topic: Digital technology use in early childhood: How harmful is it and what can we do about it? 
• Campbell Paul, Associate Professor, Consultant Infant and Child Psychiatrist at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne and Honorary Principal Fellow in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne.  Topic: How can infant mental health contribute to better developmental and emotional outcomes for young children?  

Over the two days, attendees will also network with their peers and attend workshop learning sessions.   

These sessions invite participants to explore innovative approaches to childhood education, childcare and parenting. Topics include building family practice through supported playgroups, trends in child development at school entry, and building resilience through “relational practices”.   

Participants will also delve into recent research findings, ways of involving the families of children with developmental concerns in co-designing supports, and building systems change in Cairns South. 

“As the needs of children and families continue to evolve, so too must our approaches. Early years support has never been the work of one sector alone. We need specialists, medical practitioners, researchers, teachers, non-profit organisations to come together, as we share knowledge and insights to support the children of tomorrow,” added Cassy.  

“This is essential for the field to stay responsive, informed and forward-looking.” 

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 Queensland 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 our range of Early Childhood Years services and programs, click here or call 1800 236 762.