The Early Childhood Learning and Development (ECLD) Conference 2025 brought together more than 700 passionate professionals from across Western Australia’s early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector at the iconic Optus Stadium in Perth with a celebration of learning, leadership and sector-wide empowerment.
This year’s conference delivered a dynamic program featuring visionary keynote speakers, practical breakout sessions, live exhibitor showcases, and invaluable networking opportunities that left delegates feeling energised and equipped with new tools and insights.
Keynote Speakers
The conference opened with three powerful keynotes.
- Jennifer Jefferies – Decompressing Stress: Breaking the Stress Loop
- Prof Selena Bartlett – Mastering Children’s Mental Health in the Digital Age
- Nicole Talarico – Can You Keep me Safer? Child Safety in our Every Day
Delegate feedback
Delegate feedback was overwhelmingly positive:
“Wow where do I begin! The whole event was AMAZING! I wish I could have packed my whole team in my suitcase. My highlight would have to be the speakers, honestly I can’t begin to tell you how much inspiration they have given me. Nicole Talarico was a highlight and Jennifer Jeffries really resonated with me and left me feeling empowered.”
“Professor Selena Bartlett – Seen was my highlight. I found her to be very passionate about her subject matter, giving insight and information that was supported by research statistics.”
“My favourite part of the conference was to learn how to manage our stress and to have a healthy lifestyle done by Jennifer that was wonderful my favourite part of the day.”
Throughout the event the program covered many topics during the breakout sessions, including themes of Empowerment and Leadership, Innovation and Creativity, Health and Wellbeing, Inclusion and Diversity, Sustainability and Environmental Education, and Family and Community Engagement.
Child Australia’s CEO Tina Holtom, reflected on the success of the event.
“The ECLD Conference was an overwhelming success. The energy was electric, and the feedback from delegates has been incredibly uplifting. Events like this are so critical for our sector – they inspire, challenge, and reinvigorate our educators, who go on to make a real difference in the lives of children every day.”
Attendees embraced the variety and depth of knowledge shared:
“Michelle Sampson was a wonderful speaker and had such informative content, all of the speakers were amazing but I got to talk with her and she is an exceptional person.”
“I loved Connie and Fiona’s dance party!” and “My highlight was that I enjoyed the Child Australia session most, called Navigating Emotions Together – the role of co-regulation. This was so very informative.”
“Tim McDonald and the YMCA behaviour talk was a highlight and it was great to have something included for older children and OSHC.”
“Some of the afternoon sessions were also my highlight. I particularly enjoyed the Child Australia session on Parent and Community Engagement.”
“My last session of the day with Adrian from Farran St education was a fun end to the day.”
“I enjoyed the afternoon choices of topics. I found these people were able to support what educators required to support children in day-to-day practices.”
The conference received glowing praise across the board with delegates sharing:
“The varied speakers and the content provided was so relevant and informative. I felt like I came away with tools that will benefit myself and my team.”
“I truly appreciated the insights from the keynote speakers and can’t wait to bring these ideas back to our centre.”
“Networking with other like-minded educators and connecting with our service educators outside of the service environment was my highlight. I loved all 3 of the keynote speakers and on top, the food was amazing and plentiful.”
What’s Next?
Planning is already underway for the next chapter in the ECLD journey, and it promises to be our most immersive experience yet. In response to the incredible feedback from delegates, Child Australia is excited to announce the ECLD 2026 Immersion Experience — a 2-day event designed to deliver even deeper engagement, practical tools, and more time to connect and collaborate.
Attendees asked for a more interactive format, with hands-on learning and real-world examples they could take straight back into their practice. ECLD 2026 will deliver just that with a dynamic, high-impact event focused on meaningful professional development, sector connection, and real-world application.
Ms Holtom reflected on the event and the partnerships that make it all possible.
CEO Tina Holtom stated, “It’s so wonderful to have events that bring together our sector professionals. They are people with so much passion, heart and purpose, and their work has a profound impact on the lives of children. We’re deeply grateful to our sponsors and partners whose support makes these opportunities possible. Together, we’re investing in the future of not just our workforce, but of every child whose potential is unlocked by a truly great educator”.
Special thanks to our 2025 conference sponsors Green House Education, The Sector, Buttercups Childcare, KinderPark, BB Recruitment, MANA, and Goodstart Early Learning.
We can’t wait to welcome the sector back in 2026 for another unforgettable experience…one that inspires fresh thinking, deep connection, and lasting impact for educators and the children they support every day.
To see more highlights from the event, please visit the ECLD Conference website.
