• Charles Sturt University will host the Early Childhood Education and Care Leadership Research Symposium Online on Wednesday 5 November 2025 12.30pm to 5pm AEST
• The free national event brings together leading researchers and practitioners to explore leadership, mentoring, workforce wellbeing and sustainability in early childhood education and care
• Almost 600 educators, researchers and sector leaders from across Australia have already registered to attend

A free national online event will explore the evolving landscape of leadership in early childhood education and care (ECEC) on Wednesday 5 November.

Charles Sturt University and the Organisation Mondiale pour l´Éducation Préscolaire (OMEP) (the World Organisation for Early Childhood Education) (Australia) will host the ECEC Leadership Research Symposium.

This free symposium brings together leading researchers from universities across Australia to share insights, innovations and practice of leadership in early childhood settings.

Almost 600 educators, researchers and sector leaders from across Australia have already registered to attend the free online event, reflecting the strong interest in leadership as a foundation for quality, equity and children’s wellbeing.

Charles Sturt School of Education academic and co-convenor of the symposium Dr Leanne Gibbs said the event comes at a critical time for the sector.

“Leadership in early childhood settings has never been more important,” Dr Gibbs said.

“Strong and ethical leadership underpins every aspect of quality education and care as our sector navigates complex workforce challenges, changing policy landscapes, children’s safety and well-being, and educator sustainability.

“This symposium creates space for dialogue between researchers and practitioners, to reflect, connect and share the approaches that sustain our workforce and strengthen outcomes for children.”

The 2025 program features leading Australian researchers and practitioners presenting on mentoring rural and remote leaderships, exemplary practice, and ethical approaches to sustainability and change.

Each presentation offers a window into the lived realities of ECEC leadership - its tensions, triumphs and transformative potential.

Experts will share insights on ECEC leadership and mentoring workforce retention, educator wellbeing, sustainability and high-quality education for children.

Presenters include Charles Sturt academics Associate Professor Lena Danaia, Ms Melanie Elderton, Mrs Su Garrett, Dr Belinda Downey and Dr Leanne Gibbs, as well as Professor Frances Press (Griffith University), Professor Fay Hadley (Macquarie University), Dr Marie White (QUT), Ms Emma Cross (Curtin University) and Dr Jessica Ciuciu (Deakin University).

Accessible to participants across the country, the online symposium will run from 12.30pm to 5pm (AEDT) and invites attendees to engage with cutting-edge research, share experiences and contribute to shaping the future of ECEC leadership in Australia. Find out more or register online.