Forum Details

Presented by The Sector

Thursday, 17 July 2025
8.30am registration for a 9.00am start (event concludes at 4.30pm)

The Hotel Windsor, Melbourne
111 Spring Street, Melbourne VIC

About the Forum

Building on the success of The Sector’s popular Connect+ model, the ECEC Workforce and Wellbeing Forum is the next event in a new series of bespoke gatherings designed to inform, inspire and connect attendees in an intimate, collegiate and non-corporate setting.

This intimate, and fully curated, full-day gathering will bring together ECEC professionals from across a wide range of settings, including importantly those operating in the not for profit and community spaces, as well as respected policy voices and seasoned leaders to share their experience, knowledge and insights around a set of topics focused on workforce and well being matters.

Supported by our key event partners, the Department of Education Victoria and Goodstart Early Learning, the Forum will feature voices from across the sector. Attendees can expect a full day of strategic conversation, practical insight and real-world experiences that address the most pressing workforce and wellbeing issues facing the sector today.

Step away from the day-to-day to hear from local and national voices working to build a more sustainable ECEC workforce.

Program

The program is divided into four sessions, each hosted by a sector specialist who will guide robust conversations, pose timely questions and facilitate extended audience discussion.

ECEC Workforce Policy Environment – Exploring the past, present and future
Hosted by Jason Roberts, Sector Publishing

This panel will explore how ECEC workforce policy is evolving towards a more educator centric mix of legislation, whilst touching on areas like Fee Free TAFE and skilled migration pathways and how the landscape might evolve as Labor’s second term unfolds.

Featuring sector leaders to be announced shortly.

Educator Wellbeing – The power of wellbeing programs in ECEC settings
Hosted by Anthony Semann, Semann & Slattery

This panel will see a range of early learning providers with proven credentials and track records in delivering the very best of team wellbeing programs and practices in their organisations come together and be guided by Anthony’s deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in this important area.

Featuring sector leaders to be announced shortly.

Attraction and Retention – How do you build, and keep, your dream team
Hosted by Catharine Hydon, Hydon Consulting

The importance of culture, capability alignment, recruitment strategies, expectation setting, having the “difficult” conversation are all on the table with Catharine’s extensive experience in this important area ensuring no stone is left unturned in topic areas discussed.

Featuring sector leaders to be announced shortly.

Fireside Chat with an ECEC Legend
Hosted by Fiona Alston, Sector Publishing and featuring Myra Geddes, Goodstart Early Learning

A reflective conversation with one of the early learning sector’s most respected and inspiring leaders that will explore Myra’s journey, her influence in the sector and the lessons learned along the way.

About the Venue

The Sector Connect+ is proud to host the Forum at The Hotel Windsor in the beautiful Bourke Room. Located at 111 Spring Street, opposite Victoria’s Parliament House, The Hotel Windsor combines heritage charm with modern convenience. The venue is easily accessible via Melbourne’s public transport network and is within walking distance of major landmarks.

More information about public transport and parking options can be found here.

Register Now

Seats are strictly limited for this in-person event.

Tickets are $395 (includes full-day catering and event materials).

There is no livestream or recording of this forum.

Join 250 early learning professionals for a full day of insight, strategy and sector connection.