Leading with Impact - 2-Day In-person Conference
Melbourne
Location - Samford Plaza Hotel
111 Little Collins Street Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia, 3000
Wednesday 29th October 2025 (Cocktail Connection) Please see Menu
Conference Thursday 30th October 2025 - Friday 31st October 2025
Overview:
This vibrant, heart-centred professional development experience is designed especially for Early Childhood Centre Managers and Leaders who want to inspire change, empower their teams, and cultivate supportive, inclusive learning environments. Over three days, participants will connect, reflect, and grow through a blend of interactive workshops, cultural learning, leadership skill-building, and wellness-focused activities. You’ll leave refreshed, motivated, and ready to lead with vision, empathy, and joy.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, participants will:
Gain creative, fun strategies for embedding Indigenous perspectives into their curriculum.
Learn how to lead with empathy and create a positive, supportive environment for educators.
Foster inclusivity, well-being, and positivity within their centre’s culture.
Develop strategies to reduce stress and promote self-care for both staff and children.
Set personal and professional goals that contribute to growth and development.
Leading with Impact - 2-Day In-person Conference
Day 1: Wednesday (Arrival Day) 29th October 2025
Cocktail Connection
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Description: Getting to know your "why." Join us for a relaxed cocktail session where you’ll connect with fellow Early Childhood Professionals. Light nibbles will be served.
Please see menu
Day 2: Thursday 30th October 2025
Optional Morning Walk
Time: 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM
Description: Start your day with a refreshing walk to clear your mind and energize your body. A perfect way to connect with others before the start of the conference.
Breakfast - Nurturing our Bodies and Minds
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
Please see menu for Harry's at Samford Plaza Hotel
Session 1: Nurturing Educators through Self-Care
Time: 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Description: Learn strategies for ensuring your educators’ mental and emotional well-being. Discover ways to create a self-care culture that benefits both staff and children.
Activity: Self-Care Bingo – Participate in a fun, interactive self-care bingo game to explore various activities that promote well-being.
Session 2: Embedding Indigenous Perspectives in Play
Time: 9:45 AM - 10:30 AM
Description: Learn how to embed Indigenous culture into your curriculum through interactive play and stories.
Activity: Indigenous Storytelling Circle – Create a lesson plan incorporating Indigenous storytelling, art, or traditions.
Bathroom Break
Time: 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Session 3: Supporting Educators through Empathy
Time: 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Description: Leading with empathy helps create a positive, supportive work culture. Learn how to support your educators with compassion and understanding.
Activity: Empathy Exercise – Practice empathetic listening and leadership with real-life scenarios.
Session 4: Supercharging Centre Culture
Time: 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Description: Strengthen the culture of your centre by building a positive, inclusive environment.
Activity: Centre Culture Crafting – Create a collaborative Centre Culture Board to visually represent your centre’s values and spirit.
Lunch Break
Time: 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Lunch served at Father's Office - Please see Menu
(Includes a glass of soft drink/wine/Beer).
Approximately 4-minute walk to conference
Session 5: The Power of Positive Praise
Time: 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
Description: Learn how to motivate your team by using positive reinforcement and recognition.
Activity: Praise Circle – Engage in a group activity where each participant shares something they appreciate about their colleagues.
Session 6: Leading with Vision and Integrity
Time: 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Description: Explore how strong, empathetic leadership can inspire and empower educators to achieve excellence.
Activity: Vision Board Creation – Create a leadership vision board that reflects your values and aspirations as a Centre Manager.
Bathroom Break
Time: 2:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Session 7: Nature and Well-Being – Connecting Children and Educators to Nature
Time: 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
Description: Discover the positive effects of nature on well-being for both children and educators and learn how to integrate nature-based activities into your program.
Activity: Nature Scavenger Hunt – Head outdoors to discover natural items and discuss ways these elements can promote well-being.
Session 8: Fostering Positive Relationships with Families
Time: 3:45 PM - 4:30 PM
Description: Learn practical strategies to build strong partnerships with families and engage them in the learning process.
Activity: Family Engagement Plan – Design a strategy to increase family involvement in your centre's activities and decision-making.
Wrap-up Day 2 & Final Reflection
Time: 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Description: Reflect on the day’s activities, share key takeaways, and start thinking about how you’ll implement the strategies learned in your centre.
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Cocktail Connection
Team Building Activities Outdoor Activities or Retreats: Organise team-building retreats or outdoor activities to help staff unwind, bond, and build stronger relationships
Monthly Socials: Create informal gatherings, like coffee mornings or after-work happy hours, for staff to relax and connect outside of work
Please see menu
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Dinner and Cocktail/Wine
Day 3: Friday 31st October 2025
Optional Morning Walk
Time: 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM
Description: Start your day with a walk to clear your mind, rejuvenate your spirit, and connect with others.
Buffet Breakfast - Nurturing our Bodies and Minds
7:30 AM - 8:20 AM
Please see menu for Harry's at Samford Plaza Hotel
Session 1: Indigenous Perspectives and Fun Learning – Embedding Culture through Play and Stories
Time: 8:30 AM - 9:15 AM
Description: Learn fun, interactive ways to bring Indigenous culture into the classroom through storytelling, music, and art.
Activity: Indigenous Storytelling Circle – Share a story or cultural practice and create a collaborative lesson plan to integrate Indigenous elements into the curriculum.
Session 2: Children’s Health, Safety, and Well-Being – Fun Ways to Keep Children Safe
Time: 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM
Description: Learn playful ways to educate children about health and safety in ways that are memorable and enjoyable.
Activity: Health & Safety Scavenger Hunt – A fun activity where participants identify health and safety hazards around the centre and discuss how to address them.
Bathroom Break
Time: 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Session 3: Leading with Empathy – Emotional Support for Your Educators
Time: 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
Description: Learn how to lead with empathy and emotional support, fostering an environment where staff feel valued, heard, and empowered.
Activity: Heartfelt Leadership Exercise – Engage in activities that promote empathetic listening and compassionate leadership.
Session 4: Supercharging Your Centre's Culture – Fun, Inclusive Activities
Time: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Description: Strengthen your centre's culture with easy, fun activities that inject positivity and inclusivity into your daily routines.
Activity: Centre Culture Crafting – Create a “Centre Culture Board” using arts and crafts to represent your values and vision for your centre.
Session 5: Creating a Stress-Free Environment – Tips for Supporting Educators
Time: 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Description: Learn practical strategies for creating a stress-free environment that supports staff well-being and reduces burnout.
Activity: Stress-Relief Movement Party – Join in a movement (stretching) and meditation activity) to relieve stress and boost team morale.
Lunch Break
Time: 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Lunch served at Father's Office - Please see Menu
(Includes a glass of soft drink/wine/Beer).
Approximately 4-minute walk to conference
Session 6: The Power of Positivity – Supporting Educators Through Positivity & Goal Setting
Time: 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
Description: Learn how to create a culture of positivity that helps educators set and achieve their personal and professional goals.
Activity: Goal-Setting – Set and celebrate personal and professional goals for the year ahead.
Session 7: Nature and Well-Being – Connecting Educators and Children to Nature
Time: 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Description: Nature plays an essential role in the well-being of both children and educators. Learn practical ways to integrate nature-based activities into your centre’s routines.
Activity: Nature Scavenger Hunt – Head outdoors to discover natural items and explore how these elements can support well-being.
Session 8: The Power of Praise – Building Motivation through Recognition
Time: 2:45 PM - 3:30 PM
Description: Recognition is a powerful tool to motivate and build a positive, supportive environment. Learn creative ways to praise and celebrate achievements.
Activity: Praise Circle – Share appreciation and praise for colleagues in a group, promoting a culture of mutual support.
Wrap-up Day 3 & Final Reflection
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Description: Reflect on key takeaways from the final day, share action plans, and discuss next steps for implementing new strategies in your centre.
Additional Course Benefits:
Certificate of Completion
Resource Pack with templates, checklists, and fun activity ideas.
111 Little Collins Street Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia, 3000
Wednesday 29th October 2025 (Cocktail Connection) Please see Menu
Conference Thursday 30th October 2025 - Friday 31st October 2025
Overview:
This vibrant, heart-centred professional development experience is designed especially for Early Childhood Centre Managers and Leaders who want to inspire change, empower their teams, and cultivate supportive, inclusive learning environments. Over three days, participants will connect, reflect, and grow through a blend of interactive workshops, cultural learning, leadership skill-building, and wellness-focused activities. You’ll leave refreshed, motivated, and ready to lead with vision, empathy, and joy.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course, participants will:
Gain creative, fun strategies for embedding Indigenous perspectives into their curriculum.
Learn how to lead with empathy and create a positive, supportive environment for educators.
Foster inclusivity, well-being, and positivity within their centre’s culture.
Develop strategies to reduce stress and promote self-care for both staff and children.
Set personal and professional goals that contribute to growth and development.
Leading with Impact - 2-Day In-person Conference
Day 1: Wednesday (Arrival Day) 29th October 2025
Cocktail Connection
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Description: Getting to know your "why." Join us for a relaxed cocktail session where you’ll connect with fellow Early Childhood Professionals. Light nibbles will be served.
Please see menu
Day 2: Thursday 30th October 2025
Optional Morning Walk
Time: 6:30 AM - 7:30 AM
Description: Start your day with a refreshing walk to clear your mind and energize your body. A perfect way to connect with others before the start of the conference.
Breakfast - Nurturing our Bodies and Minds
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM
Please see menu for Harry's at Samford Plaza Hotel
Session 1: Nurturing Educators through Self-Care
Time: 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Description: Learn strategies for ensuring your educators’ mental and emotional well-being. Discover ways to create a self-care culture that benefits both staff and children.
Activity: Self-Care Bingo – Participate in a fun, interactive self-care bingo game to explore various activities that promote well-being.
Session 2: Embedding Indigenous Perspectives in Play
Time: 9:45 AM - 10:30 AM
Description: Learn how to embed Indigenous culture into your curriculum through interactive play and stories.
Activity: Indigenous Storytelling Circle – Create a lesson plan incorporating Indigenous storytelling, art, or traditions.
Bathroom Break
Time: 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Session 3: Supporting Educators through Empathy
Time: 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Description: Leading with empathy helps create a positive, supportive work culture. Learn how to support your educators with compassion and understanding.
Activity: Empathy Exercise – Practice empathetic listening and leadership with real-life scenarios.
Session 4: Supercharging Centre Culture
Time: 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Description: Strengthen the culture of your centre by building a positive, inclusive environment.
Activity: Centre Culture Crafting – Create a collaborative Centre Culture Board to visually represent your centre’s values and spirit.
Lunch Break
Time: 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Lunch served at Father's Office - Please see Menu
(Includes a glass of soft drink/wine/Beer).
Approximately 4-minute walk to conference
Session 5: The Power of Positive Praise
Time: 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
Description: Learn how to motivate your team by using positive reinforcement and recognition.
Activity: Praise Circle – Engage in a group activity where each participant shares something they appreciate about their colleagues.
Session 6: Leading with Vision and Integrity
Time: 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Description: Explore how strong, empathetic leadership can inspire and empower educators to achieve excellence.
Activity: Vision Board Creation – Create a leadership vision board that reflects your values and aspirations as a Centre Manager.
Bathroom Break
Time: 2:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Session 7: Nature and Well-Being – Connecting Children and Educators to Nature
Time: 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
Description: Discover the positive effects of nature on well-being for both children and educators and learn how to integrate nature-based activities into your program.
Activity: Nature Scavenger Hunt – Head outdoors to discover natural items and discuss ways these elements can promote well-being.
Session 8: Fostering Positive Relationships with Families
Time: 3:45 PM - 4:30 PM
Description: Learn practical strategies to build strong partnerships with families and engage them in the learning process.
Activity: Family Engagement Plan – Design a strategy to increase family involvement in your centre's activities and decision-making.
Wrap-up Day 2 & Final Reflection
Time: 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Description: Reflect on the day’s activities, share key takeaways, and start thinking about how you’ll implement the strategies learned in your centre.
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Cocktail Connection
Team Building Activities Outdoor Activities or Retreats: Organise team-building retreats or outdoor activities to help staff unwind, bond, and build stronger relationships
Monthly Socials: Create informal gatherings, like coffee mornings or after-work happy hours, for staff to relax and connect outside of work
Please see menu
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Dinner and Cocktail/Wine
Day 3: Friday 31st October 2025
Optional Morning Walk
Time: 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM
Description: Start your day with a walk to clear your mind, rejuvenate your spirit, and connect with others.
Buffet Breakfast - Nurturing our Bodies and Minds
7:30 AM - 8:20 AM
Please see menu for Harry's at Samford Plaza Hotel
Session 1: Indigenous Perspectives and Fun Learning – Embedding Culture through Play and Stories
Time: 8:30 AM - 9:15 AM
Description: Learn fun, interactive ways to bring Indigenous culture into the classroom through storytelling, music, and art.
Activity: Indigenous Storytelling Circle – Share a story or cultural practice and create a collaborative lesson plan to integrate Indigenous elements into the curriculum.
Session 2: Children’s Health, Safety, and Well-Being – Fun Ways to Keep Children Safe
Time: 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM
Description: Learn playful ways to educate children about health and safety in ways that are memorable and enjoyable.
Activity: Health & Safety Scavenger Hunt – A fun activity where participants identify health and safety hazards around the centre and discuss how to address them.
Bathroom Break
Time: 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Session 3: Leading with Empathy – Emotional Support for Your Educators
Time: 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
Description: Learn how to lead with empathy and emotional support, fostering an environment where staff feel valued, heard, and empowered.
Activity: Heartfelt Leadership Exercise – Engage in activities that promote empathetic listening and compassionate leadership.
Session 4: Supercharging Your Centre's Culture – Fun, Inclusive Activities
Time: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Description: Strengthen your centre's culture with easy, fun activities that inject positivity and inclusivity into your daily routines.
Activity: Centre Culture Crafting – Create a “Centre Culture Board” using arts and crafts to represent your values and vision for your centre.
Session 5: Creating a Stress-Free Environment – Tips for Supporting Educators
Time: 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Description: Learn practical strategies for creating a stress-free environment that supports staff well-being and reduces burnout.
Activity: Stress-Relief Movement Party – Join in a movement (stretching) and meditation activity) to relieve stress and boost team morale.
Lunch Break
Time: 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Lunch served at Father's Office - Please see Menu
(Includes a glass of soft drink/wine/Beer).
Approximately 4-minute walk to conference
Session 6: The Power of Positivity – Supporting Educators Through Positivity & Goal Setting
Time: 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM
Description: Learn how to create a culture of positivity that helps educators set and achieve their personal and professional goals.
Activity: Goal-Setting – Set and celebrate personal and professional goals for the year ahead.
Session 7: Nature and Well-Being – Connecting Educators and Children to Nature
Time: 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Description: Nature plays an essential role in the well-being of both children and educators. Learn practical ways to integrate nature-based activities into your centre’s routines.
Activity: Nature Scavenger Hunt – Head outdoors to discover natural items and explore how these elements can support well-being.
Session 8: The Power of Praise – Building Motivation through Recognition
Time: 2:45 PM - 3:30 PM
Description: Recognition is a powerful tool to motivate and build a positive, supportive environment. Learn creative ways to praise and celebrate achievements.
Activity: Praise Circle – Share appreciation and praise for colleagues in a group, promoting a culture of mutual support.
Wrap-up Day 3 & Final Reflection
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Description: Reflect on key takeaways from the final day, share action plans, and discuss next steps for implementing new strategies in your centre.
Additional Course Benefits:
Certificate of Completion
Resource Pack with templates, checklists, and fun activity ideas.