The OSHC Conference 2025 (27 May and 28 May) was full of connection, learning, inspiration and creativity – and we’re still buzzing from it! 

Thank you to all the presenters, organisers, and attendees for making this year's conference unforgettable. 

This year we heard from a huge range of incredible speakers addressing the most pressing issues in OSHC. 

We covered topics like connecting with the natural world, getting children curious about food, the power of play, emotional regulation, leading with confidence, supporting children with behaviours that challenge us, workplace rights and so much more.

Remember, if you haven’t already, let us know how you felt about the conference. We use your feedback to develop and refine our professional development events. 
 

Let’s recap our 2025 presenters: 

⭐ Environmental educator and host of Gardening Australia Junior Costa Georgiadis
⭐ Author, broadcaster and food educator Alice Zaslavsky
⭐ OSHC research specialists Dr Bruce Hurst and Dr Jennifer Cartmel
⭐ Senior Lecturer in Education at Charles Sturt University Dr Leanne Gibbs
⭐ Children’s wellbeing advocate and CEO of Play Australia Robyn Monro Miller 
⭐ Educational leader Catharine Hydon 
⭐ Peace educator Margaret Hepworth 
+ more!

Don’t forget, CCC members get access to recordings from the sessions. Reach out to our Membership and Events Officer Pina on 03 9486 3455 or email her at PCannata@cccinc.org.au for more information.

Leading with purpose in early years and OSHC

Through both expert-led and peer-driven learning, you’ll gain strategies and tools to better support and inspire your team!

Be empowered to be the leader you want to be.

Key takeaways

• Bolster your confidence as a successful leader
• Learn about the potential and challenges of AI use when working with children
• Develop a culturally responsive approach to engage with families
• Harness the passing down of knowledge and wisdom between generations 
• Discover strategies to improve employee wellbeing and retention
• Meet other leaders in education and care.
   

Keynotes

Bec Goddard OAM
Inaugural AFLW Premiership coach of the Adelaide Crows
Searching for wins

Dr Kobi Leins
Executive Director, Info Sphere Education
Understanding AI in the education sector
 

Presentations

Rhonda Livingstone
National Education Leader and General Manager of ACECQA’s Leadership, Quality and Regulatory Support Group
Meaningful engagement with families and communities – a culturally responsive approach  

Anthony Morris, Kylie Seadon and Aisha Grewal
Professional Consultants, Community Child Care Association
Inspiring change for excellence in practice

Shelli Giosis, Sharon Goodwin and Mariella Raval
Delta Road Preschool, Community Child Care Association and Perry Street Childcare Centre
Passing down knowledge and wisdom from one generation to the next 

Patrick Aouad
Founder and CEO, CU Health
The elephant in the room: employee wellbeing and retention

 

Book your ticket now

Here’s what our previous conference attendees had to say…

'The speakers were really engaging, and the room really highlighted the importance of connectedness and community.' (Anon)

'It was a wonderful opportunity to be part of a room of individuals who are already doing an amazing job, wanting to learn more.' Maria, Centre Director, Swanston Street Children's Centre

'I have so many ideas to take back to the staff at the service.' (Anon) Coordinator, OSHC

'The guest speakers were fantastic and shared their amazing insights that motivated me.' Mahour, Educational Leader, City Kids ELC

About us

For more than fifty years, Community Child Care Association has been a strong voice for community-owned services and quality education and care for all children. We helped set up the very first community-owned services in Australia. Today, we continue to support and champion both community-owned services and the wider sector. We’re active across the nation, providing leadership and advocacy, working with governments, and supporting services with membership, quality professional development and consultancies.

What do you get when you combine dedicated leaders, inspiring speakers, impactful ideas and goodie bags filled with new-found confidence and community to take home? The Leadership in Education and Care Masterclass, of course!

This year, the much-loved event took place in person at the Treacy Centre in Parkville. The upbeat vibe throughout the day was testament to the dedication and enthusiasm you all bring to the profession as leaders. A special mention to the many of you who travelled from afar to be there.

The Leadership Masterclass is all about equipping you with practical tools to help you face those very real challenges you tackle as leaders each day. So, it was music to our ears to hear that 100% of attendees who responded to our post-conference survey stated they were either likely or very likely to try something new as a result of what they learned at the conference.

A big thank you to all the fantastic speakers who truly made it a day to remember!

In 2024 attendees heard from:

• Early childhood powerhouses Catharine Hydon and Kirsty Liljegren
• Veteran educator Rod Soper
• Educational leaders from Exceeding-rated early learning services
• Our very own CCC consultants.

For more detail about the level of quality this conference brings, you can still check out the 2024 program.