CELA CEO Michele Carnegie recently delivered the closing address at ACECQA’s National Workforce Forum, reflecting on two days of discussion about what it will take to build a sustainable, high quality early education and care system.

Find out what she said about why a stable, skilled, and valued workforce is the foundation for quality, and what needs to happen next to keep educators in the sector.

What is the secret to unlocking performance, boosting morale, and attracting the best talent to early childhood education? For Elena Zdravkoski, Director of Operations at Shire Child Care Centres, it’s all about building an uncompromising professional identity. She reveals how a deliberate focus on mentorship, high standards, and powerful language have ignited fierce pride in staff and created a positive ripple effect in the community. 

Critical reflection is more than looking back. It is a collaborative, equity-focused process that helps educators challenge assumptions, listen deeply to children and families, and make informed changes that strengthen practice.

Meg Anastasi unpacks what critical reflection means in the context of everyday practice and shares practical questions and models to guide your thinking, exploring real examples, from navigating complex play to reimagining end of year celebrations through children’s agency and wellbeing.