Dr Claire Warden
Educator, author and consultant · Scotland
Specialises in early childhood and nature-based learning, with more than 30 years’ experience. A long-standing ECA collaborator.
Program · 3 days
Lectures
54 sessions across 15 streams. Filter by day or stream, and bookmark sessions to build your own schedule — your picks stay saved on this device.
Draft program from the conference research workbook. Times, rooms and speakers are subject to change.
Speakers
Keynote speakers and panellists confirmed for 2026. More are announced with the full program.
International keynotes2
Olof Gränström
Political scientist, economist and author · Sweden
Former Gapminder analyst. Turns complex global data into clear, actionable insight so organisations can decide from a fact-based worldview.
Australian keynotes2
Prof. Cathrine Neilsen-Hewett
Chief Children’s Officer · Goodstart Early Learning
Leads national strategy for pedagogy and practice after more than 30 years in academia, research and sector leadership.
Thomas Mayo
Human rights advocate and author · Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander
Award-winning author and one of Australia’s leaders in Indigenous rights; co-led the Voice referendum campaign.
Ethics in Action panel4
Dr Anne Kennedy AM
Executive Director and co-founder · Parkville Institute; Honorary Fellow, University of Melbourne
Researcher, consultant, writer and advocate. Part of the team that revised the ECA Code of Ethics.
Catharine Hydon
Principal Consultant and Director · Hydon Consulting
More than 30 years leading and advocating for quality early childhood education and care; led the Colloquia on Leadership and Ethics facilitator team.
Leanne Mits OAM
Early childhood teacher · Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange Board; ECA Vic Committee
Over 40 years across early childhood settings in regional Victoria and Melbourne. Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2022.
Dr Simon Longstaff AO
Adjunct Professor · Australian Graduate School of Management, UNSW
First executive director of The Ethics Centre; began his working life on Groote Eylandt. Made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2013.
AI for the Early Years panel4
Prof. Jane Page OAM
Associate Director · REEaCh Centre, University of Melbourne
A teacher of young children and a university teacher for over 40 years. Researches high-quality early education as a route to equitable outcomes.
Kelly Humphrey
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) · Australian Catholic University
A proud Gomeroi woman with degrees in education and theology. Researches Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school leaders and leadership.
Prof. Michael Henderson
Professor of Higher Education and Digital Futures · Monash University
Director of Educational Design and Innovation, with over 200 publications. Named an Australian field leader in education research in 2024.
Prof. Susan Edwards
Director · Early Childhood Futures, Australian Catholic University
More than 70 peer-reviewed articles on how young children learn, play and flourish in contemporary digital societies.
Speaker details from the official conference site — ecaconference.com.au/2026/speakers