It takes a village to raise a family

Held 16-17 May at the Cairns Convention Centre, the 2024 Early Years Conference (EYC2024) exceeded all expectations for the organising committee. The 400-delegates conference was sold out a week prior, with potential delegates asking to be waitlisted.

The theme was "It takes a village to raise a family" and it takes a diverse organising committee from the various community sectors to deliver such a conference. The committee has representatives from The Queensland Government's Department of Education, Queensland Health and the Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disabilities. It also has representatives from Mission Australia, The Benevolent Society, Act For Kids, The Cairns Institute at James Cook University and Wuchopperen Health Services.

Over two days, delegates from Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland convened under the one roof to share knowledge and experiences, to learn of new research and programs, and opportunities to better equip practitioners in the early years space.

Delegates were treated to a welcome cup of coffee each morning by Mission Australia's Cafe One social enterprise program. The conference began with a Welcome to Country by Mr Gerald Fourmile followed by a performance by the Yidinji Dancers led by Greg Fourmile. The Honourable Curtis Pitt opened declared the conference open after delivering a message of support from the Queensland Minister for Education Di Farmer.

The Twilight Networking proved to be another popular event amongst the delegates; providing further opportunities to meet with the presenters and other delegates in an informal setting.

On day two, a video message of support from the Queensland Minister of Health Shannon Fentiman was played followed by performances from the AFL Cape York Dancers. These boarding school students from across the Far North proved popular with with the attendees. MC Dr Karen Struthers (CEO TRUE) expertly set the tone, engaged the audience, introduced the keynotes and announcements to facilitate smooth transitions of the event.

Images(below l-r): Keynote Dr Rachael Beswick (Director First 2000 Days), Keynote Tameeka Glass (SNAICC Victoria), Keynote Michael Hogan (TQKP Convenor, Jaimee Hamilton (JCU Pathways), & Prof Rosita Henry (JCU Anthropology & TCI Researcher). Credit: Janelle Sim