A Sydney Rotary Boardroom Dialogue - Pathways to educational attainment from early childhood to higher education

Join us as our special guest speaker Professor Emerita Eileen Baldry AO takes on on the all important journey that our children must take from early childhood to higher education if they are to be given the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Generally, Australia’s literacy and numeracy levels have been declining over the past decade or so. Poor outcomes are not evenly spread with socio-economic exclusion, intergenerational trauma and geographical factors amongst the determinants of low educational attainment. Universities are charged with achieving greater equity in education by lifting participation of under-represented groups in higher education, but this requires starting in early childhood to support children to succeed in education. There is good evidence that some place based non-stigmatising, culturally framed programs in disadvantaged area early childhood education and schools, tailored communication programs and greater respect, pay and support for teachers improve results significantly. Partnerships among communities, schools, NGOs, governments and educators are showing promise in providing good education for all children to reach their potential.

Eileen Baldry AO FASSA FRSN FANZSOC (BA, DipEd, DipTEFL, USyd; MWP, PhD UNSW) is Professor Emerita of Criminology at UNSW Sydney. She was Associate Dean Education, Deputy Dean and Interim Dean in Arts and Social Sciences before being appointed the first female DVC and inaugural Deputy Vice-Chancellor Equity Diversity and Inclusion at UNSW. She led student equity and diversity, including partnering with the Smith Family in schools, outreach to the most disadvantaged schools in the state and resourcing pathways to further education. She initiated the establishment of the Gonski Institute for Education at UNSW and was Academic lead for the Yuwaya Ngarrali Partnership with the Dharriwaa Elders in Walgett.

Her research, publications and advocacy focus on equity and social justice and include mental health and cognitive disability in criminal legal systems; decolonised social development, policy and social work; criminalised women, First Nations’ women and youth; homelessness and social housing; and disability services. She is Chair, NSW Ageing & Disability Commission Advisory Board, is co-chair Anti-Poverty Week, involved with Graduate Women NSW and co-chair KWOOP (Keeping Women out of Prison). https://research.unsw.edu.au/people/emeritus-professor-eileen-baldry

N.B. Please note all attendees are invited to stay on after this stimulating talk for a social event where we can enjoy each others company as we wait for the running of the Melbourne Cup 2024. A sweepstakes will be held along with fun and games including Best Hat or Tie prizes. A Raffle will also be held. Please note in addition to the fee charged for the lunch event we will also ask for donations, cash or EFTPOS, from those attending the social event and net proceeds will be donated to an Animal Welfare Charity. Please indicate when booking if you intend to stay on for the Melbourne Cup social! Race commences at 3pm.