Amplify! Blog

For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators working in western-led organisations, their work extends far beyond formal job descriptions to include unspoken and often unrecognised cultural expectations.

CELA cultural consultant Lisa Walker explains why this emotional and cultural burden is not about culture itself, but about the ongoing impacts of colonial systems and assumptions. She explores what needs to shift, the responsibility non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations must carry, and why genuine cultural responsiveness is essential.

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.

Educators know that play is the ‘work of childhood’ and the foundation of learning. But how do you protect this vital experience when faced with documentation demands and safety anxieties?

Educational Leader Kate Montiglio explores the notion of custodianship and why it is so important that unstructured, imaginative, and exploratory play is protected and celebrated.

Qualified and capable educators are essential for providing quality early childhood education and care. But verifying the qualifications of potential and current team members can be tricky. 

We provide an essential guide for directors and staff who need to navigate international credentials and Registered Training Organisation (RTO) qualifications. 

What does it truly mean to create culturally responsive professional development that strengthens and sustains First Nations educators?

CELA’s Cultural Advisor Lisa Walker shares her perspective on why these opportunities are essential for identity, connection, and practice across our sector, and the types of learning that can really benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander early education professionals.

Gabby Millgate is best known for delivering one of Australian cinema's most famous lines in Muriel's Wedding, but her latest role is arguably even more transformative. Discover how a life-changing encounter in the Pilbara led her to become the Nature Pedagogy Leader at CELA member Woden Valley ELC, empowering children and educators to get their hands dirty, while continuing the climate conversation. 

CELA CEO Michele Carnegie appeared before the NSW Legislative Council inquiry into the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector to call for urgent and effective reforms. 

Find out what CELA is recommending to government and how these reforms could help create a safer, stronger ECEC sector.

At HazelGrove Early Education, a children’s committee is giving young learners a powerful platform to lead, question, and create change.

Through child-led projects on safety, fairness, and inclusion, these young advocates are proving that leadership and empathy can start early—and inspire an entire community.