Early Years Symposium

About this event

Welcome to the Early Years Symposium happening at Australian Catholic University, North Sydney, Peter Cosgrove Centre on September 4, 2025 at 9:00 AM (Australia/Sydney time). Join us for a day filled with insightful discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities focused on early childhood education.

We are thrilled to welcome Commissioner Anne Hollonds to the Early Years Symposium. Commissioner Hollonds, Australia’s National Children’s Commissioner, has been a leading voice calling for urgent reforms in early childhood care and education. This is a rare opportunity to engage directly with her on live issues shaping the future of child safety, leadership and policy in the early years space.

Featured speakers include:

Br David Hall fms
Dean of La Salle Academy, Australian Catholic University
Br David Hall will offer an insightful Catholic perspective on the day’s theme, thoughtfully aligning it with the spiritual significance of the Jubilee Year of Hope.

Dr Amie Fabry
Director of Early Childhood, The Learning Future
We are pleased to welcome Dr Amie Fabry, a passionate educator, researcher, and thought leader in early childhood education. In this session, Dr Fabry will explore the critical role of early childhood leadership in shaping school cultures that support children’s transitions and lifelong learning. Drawing on her groundbreaking PhD research and her pioneering framework, Lead with Intention, she will challenge us to rethink how we position the early years within the broader school ecosystem.
Topic: Leading Early Years for the Future: The Case for Early Childhood Leadership in Schools

2024 AEDC NSW results – This session will outline high level data on 2024 AEDC NSW results

Experts from the Australian Institute of Family Studies
Presenting key findings from their rapid evidence review on Understanding Preschool Delivery and other significant early years research.

Who Should Attend?
Early childhood teachers, educators, and leaders who care, educate and support young children (0-8).

Why attend:

• To explore the intersection of Catholic identity, pedagogy, and child development
• To deepen understanding of children’s rights and their implications for early years education
• To provide a platform for renowned speakers and advocates in early childhood education
• To foster statewide collaboration and networking among Catholic educators and leaders

Focus and Theme
The 2025 Symposium centres on Article 5 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Article 5, Governments should let families and communities guide their children so that, as they grow up, they learn to use their rights in the best way. The more children grow, the less guidance they will need. This theme is particularly timely as NSW Catholic schools and early childhood services continues to strengthen their approach to child safety and wellbeing.