A PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE FOR
EARLY CHILDHOOD LEADERS, EDUCATORS & ADMINISTRATION STAFF
24-25 July 2026
Mecure Hotel, Wagga Wagga
Conference Registration
Proudly supported by our major sponsor
2 day ticket – $600.00 inc GST
1 day ticket – $330.00 inc GST
Regenerate is a professional development conference for early childhood leaders, educators and administration staff. This inspiring event offers a unique opportunity to gain fresh insights, explore innovative practices, and connect with fellow professionals who are passionate about early childhood education.
Attendees will benefit from an engaging keynote speaker, practical workshops, and valuable networking opportunities designed to strengthen leadership, enhance teaching practice, and support high-quality service delivery.
Whether you’re seeking new ideas, professional growth, or a renewed sense of purpose, this conference will leave you motivated, informed, and equipped to make a lasting impact in your early learning community..
Conference Program
DOWNLOAD PROGRAM HERE
Day 1 – Leadership & Administration Friday 8am – 3:30pm
| TIME | SESSION |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Registration opens |
| 8:45 AM | Welcome from Councillor Dallas Tout and ECTARC CEO Anita Kumar |
| 9:15 AM | Keynote Be Well, Do Well Presented by Phil Wolff Early childhood work is demanding, meaningful, and unlike anything else. This session is about what it takes to show up well - for your team, for the children and families you serve, and for yourself. Drawing on the principles of functional accountability and personal resilience, you'll explore what it looks like when people own their work without blame, communicate challenges before they become crises, and find their way back to purpose when things get hard. Practical, honest, and built for the reality of working in ECEC in 2026. What you'll take away: A practical understanding of functional accountability and how to apply it in your workplace Language and tools for communicating challenges early, clearly, and without blame Strategies for building a team culture where people follow through on what they commit to A personal resilience framework built around energy, purpose, and connection A simple practice to reconnect to your "why" when the work gets heavy One concrete behaviour to take back and act on from day one |
| 10:00 AM | Morning tea and networking |
| 10:20 AM | Choose from 2 options - the Leadership session or Administration session LEADERSHIP SESSION - Working Well Together: A Leader's Guide to Challenging Conversations Presented by Phil Wolffe This hands-on session gives leaders the skills and confidence to approach difficult conversations with clarity, compassion, and professionalism. Through practical frameworks, step-by-step guidance, and real-world examples, participants learn how to reduce tension, stay steady under pressure, and lead conflict toward respectful, solution-focused outcomes. What you'll take away: A clear structure for raising and working through difficult conversations Skills to stay calm and professional under pressure Greater confidence to address issues early and fairly ADMINISTRATION SESSION – Caring without carrying - Supporting families and staff while maintaining boundaries Presented by Jodie Faff In early childhood settings, administration staff are often the first people families and educators turn to during challenging moments. From emotional family conversations to staff debriefs and everyday pressures, these interactions can be rewarding, but also emotionally demanding. This session explores practical strategies for supporting others with empathy while maintaining healthy professional boundaries. Participants will gain insight into managing difficult conversations, responding with confidence, protecting their own wellbeing, and knowing when to listen, support or refer on. A valuable and affirming session for those navigating the often unseen emotional load of administration roles. |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch and networking |
| 1:15 PM | Leadership session – Common Challenges, Collective Leadership Join fellow early childhood leaders for a facilitated conversation exploring the current trends, challenges and complexities of leadership in today’s services. This session provides a space to reflect on shared experiences, from leading teams and managing competing priorities to supporting staff wellbeing and navigating family expectations. Together, we’ll explore practical strategies, exchange insights and draw on the collective leadership in the room to strengthen practice and connection across the sector. Administration session – Common Challenges, Collective Wisdom Join fellow administration professionals for a facilitated discussion exploring the emerging trends, shared challenges and day to day realities of working within early childhood services. In this session we will draw on the collective wisdom within the room to explore practical approaches for navigating the evolving demands of the role. |
| 3:15 PM | Reflection |
| 3:30 PM | Close |
Day 2 – Education Practice in action 8:30am – 3:30pm
| TIME | SESSION |
|---|---|
| 8:30 AM | Registration opens |
| 9:00 AM | Welcome |
| 9:10 AM | PANEL PRESENTAIONS Murrin Bridge Preschool Kindylane Preschool Hay Children's Services |
| 10:00 PM | Morning Tea |
| 10:20 PM | Educator Practice in Action SESSION 1 - Choose from 3 options -Exploring Beyond the Service: Making the Most of Your Community -Movement Matters - Embedding physical activity in Early Learning -Inclusion through Connection |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch |
| 1:15 PM | Educator Practice in Action SESSION 2 - Choose from 3 options -Exploring Beyond the Service: Making the Most of Your Community -Movement Matters - Embedding physical activity in Early Learning -Inclusion through Connection |
| 3:15 PM | Reflection |
| 3:30 PM | Close |