2025 Early Childhood Australia National Conference

2025 ECA National Conference – Universal Not Uniform

About the 2025 ECA National Conference

Early Childhood Australia (ECA) has been the national voice for young children since 1938. As the peak advocacy organisation for early childhood education and care, ECA represents the interests of children, families, and professionals in the sector. Its advocacy is grounded in quality, equity, and social justice for children from birth to eight years.

The 37th ECA National Conference will be held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from Wednesday 1 October to Saturday 4 October 2025. The theme, Universal not Uniform: Leading change, strengthening unity and honouring individuality, reflects the sector’s ongoing commitment to shaping policy, practice, and the future of early childhood education in Australia.

Why the ECA National Conference Matters

The early years remain at the forefront of policy debate and reform both in Australia and globally. This is a pivotal moment to:

• Build a universal platform for early childhood education and care.
• Strengthen and recognise the early childhood workforce.
• Embed robust child protection practices and reforms.
• Improve integration of services across allied health, social supports, and systems such as the NDIS.

At the heart of these reforms is a clear vision that places children’s rights, wellbeing, and learning first, with the early childhood profession playing an active role in decision-making.

The conference also highlights Australia’s journey towards reconciliation, recognising and celebrating the enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. The early childhood sector plays a vital role in cultural responsiveness, inclusive practice, and respectful partnerships with First Nations families and communities.

A Sector United in Leadership and Innovation

The 2025 ECA National Conference offers a unique opportunity for early childhood professionals to come together, share knowledge, and influence positive change. It is a chance to strengthen unity across the sector while celebrating individuality leaving a lasting legacy for the next generation of Australian children.

McArthur - a sponsor at 2025 ECA National Conference

McArthur is proud to support the 2025 ECA National Conference as both an exhibitor (stand 85 and 90) and the official coffee sponsor. Our team looks forward to connecting with educators, leaders, and organisations to discuss workforce challenges, staffing solutions, and career opportunities across the early childhood sector nationwide.

About McArthur Early Childhood Recruitment

For more than 35 years, McArthur has been one of Australia’s most trusted recruitment agencies specialising in early childhood education careers and staffing solutions. Our national Early Childhood Education team provides:

• Permanent recruitment for Centre Directors, Teachers, and Leadership roles.
• Temporary and casual staffing to support centres with immediate and flexible coverage.
• Specialist recruitment strategies tailored to early childhood services across Australia.

Every McArthur ECE consultant has either direct experience in the early years sector or extensive recruitment expertise and in many cases, both. This ensures we understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing centres, educators, and families, allowing us to deliver exceptional recruitment outcomes.

Our mission is to connect passionate educators with rewarding roles while helping childcare centres, preschools, and early learning services secure the right talent to meet their workforce needs. By focusing on the perfect match, we ensure long-term value for both candidates and organisations.

Event details:

When: 1 - 4 October 2025

Where: Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre

More information and registration, please follow the link >>2025 ECA National Conference<<

Connect With McArthur

If you are attending the conference, visit us at stand 85 or 90 to meet our team and learn more about how we can support your staffing or career journey in early childhood education.

If you cannot attend but would like to discuss your recruitment needs or career aspirations, contact our National Early Childhood Education team today.