10 Year Anniversary Expert Panel Discussion
Reimagining the Early Years Panel: Unravelling the Productivity Commission’s Recommendations
In celebration of our 10-year anniversary, we are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting a panel discussion featuring specialists from the Early Childhood Education & Care (ECEC) sector. Experts from the Northern Territory and other states will come together to unravel the Productivity Commission’s Recommendations. This session promises to be thought-provoking, offering new insights, perspectives, and a deeper understanding of the ECEC sector both nationally and statewide. We are eager to welcome you to ‘Reimagine the Early Years’ and for you to engage and participate in the discussion.
Meet Our Panelists
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Professor Deb Brennan AM
Deb Brennan AM is an expert on comparative social policy, family policy, and gender in politics. She is a Professor Emerita at the University of New South Wales and served as an Associate Commissioner on the Productivity Commission inquiry into Early Childhood Education and Care, aiming to contribute to the task of achieving universal, affordable Early Childhood Education and Care. Deb has been advocating for universal, quality Early Childhood Education and Care for over 40 years and has written extensively on related policies.
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Sarah Rheinberger
Sarah is an expert with over 18 years of experience in fostering inclusive education systems. She holds a degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Occupational Therapy. Her work focuses on system change for social justice, developing primary health service delivery models, and consulting on inclusive education, disability, trauma, and wellbeing. Currently, she works with Thrive by Five and advocates for quality, affordable, and accessible early childhood services through the NT Early Childhood Action Plan.
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Georgie Nutton
Dr Georgie Nutton is a Senior Lecturer at Charles Darwin University. Her research focuses on designing and improving Early Childhood and Primary programs to enhance learning and development outcomes in challenging contexts such as remote, regional, and disadvantaged communities. The research also addresses social justice, equity, and wellbeing while emphasising program fidelity and evidence-based decisions.
“Culturally Responsive Assessment for Learning”
Engaging deeply and honestly in conversation with self and others to improve children’s learning and development.
by Dr Katey De Gioia and Sally Cooper
Dr Katey De Gioia, the Engagement and Impact Director (Early Childhood) at the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO), brings extensive experience from the Early Childhood Sector.
Dr. De Gioia has held numerous leadership roles in both academia and the sector, including leading a nationwide program for a large not for profit. She has also written in the areas of practitioner inquiry to effect educational change and transitions into educational institutions for children from immigrant and refugee backgrounds.
Sally Cooper is the Principal Advisor First Nations at AERO)and has committed her career to driving positive change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with a focus on health and education outcomes. Sally brings a wealth of experience in stakeholder engagement, strategic analysis and effective leadership.
“Decompressing Stress”
How to break the stress loop to improve your mental health and flourish
– by Jennifer Jefferies
Kicked out of the Australian Army at the age of 20, burned out from her corporate career at 26 – but adversity only fueled her reinvention.
Now a respected naturopath specialising in resilience, Jennifer helps prevent burnout in workplaces. She’s a respected author and speaker, and has partnered with top brands to restore work-life balance and boost wellbeing.
Through her grounded, practical, entertaining and realistic approach, Jennifer shares real-life experiences to inspire change and resilience. Whether speaking to 50 or 6000, she captivates audiences worldwide.
As a philanthropist, Jennifer’s proudest achievement is founding The Q Foundation which aims to bring hope to children in poverty.
More details coming soon!
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Do you have a question about the Little People, Big Dreams Conference 2024? Want to get involved? We would like to hear from you!