Upcoming Special Events
Special events are planned throughout the year at various locations around and beyond Melbourne.
Bush Kinder Site Visit &
Exploring Ecological Relationships in Early Childhood Settings Workshop
📍 The Gleeson Centre, Darebin Parklands, Alphington
Join us at Darebin Parklands for a hands on professional learning session exploring ecological science, sustainability, and bush kinder in early childhood education.
Hosted at Yarralea’s bush kinder site, the session includes:
• Guided bush kinder visit
• Practical ecological science workshop with Ann Smith
• Educator practice sharing
• Ideas for embedding sustainability and biological sciences into everyday learning
Together we will explore how children learn about insects, plants, fungi, habitats, seasons, and living systems through direct experiences in nature.
Please dress for outdoor conditions.
EC Learning Circle : Connection to Country and Sustainability
Connection to Country and Sustainability
Join us for an online learning circle exploring cultural protocols, family and community connections, and the role of storytelling, education and art in public spaces. Led by Samantha Richards — Owner, Founder, Director and Artist at Muyan Story — the session draws on her experience bringing Indigenous knowledge to life through art, storytelling and hands-on experiences. Sam is a proud descendent of the Wurundjeri and Dja Dja Wurrung Tribes of the Melbourne and Bendigo regions.
Together, participants will explore the inextricable link between connection to Country and sustainability, while reflecting on respectful practice and authentic ways of embedding First Nations perspectives within early childhood education settings.
Free to members from participating Alliance networks EEEC (VIC), LGS (WA), ECET (TAS), QECSN (QLD), (NSW) EYNC
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Highlights from Past Events
Discover highlights from past events, where educators, researchers, and advocates came together to share ideas and strengthen sustainability in early childhood education. These moments reflect the inspiration, collaboration, and practical learning that continue to shape our community.
Making in the Early Years
What a wonderful day on 22 February 2025 we shared on Wurundjeri Country, near the banks of the Merri Merri! As part of the National Sustainability Festival 2025, EEEC’s gathering at Barry Beckett Children’s Centre provided a magical setting, surrounded by lemon-scented eucalyptus, native plants, and the watchful eyes of their resident ringtail possums.
Together, we crafted capes and aprons with Ann and Briar, made paper with Lauren, created rope dolls with Narelle, worked with logs and leather alongside Jonny and Shane, and built small worm farms with Louisa. It was a day of hands-on creativity, deep learning, and meaningful conversations. Most importantly, we strengthened existing connections and formed new ones—we hope these relationships continue to inspire positive, sustainable change.
The Australian Early Childhood Sustainability Conference 2024
“The extension of sustainability to encompass concepts of social, political, and economic in addition to the environment is something BIG to take away.” – Conference Participant
Presented by The Australian Early Childhood Sustainability Alliance (The Alliance) and hosted by Environmental Education in Early Childhood Vic (EEEC) in collaboration with the NSW, TAS, QLD, SA and WA not for profit education for sustainability networks.
The Australian Early Childhood Sustainability Conference at Swinburne University Hawthorn Campus, Melbourne, Naarm explored the new Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF v.2) Sustainability Principle led by inspiring national and international Keynote Speakers Dr Sue Elliott, Prof Julie Davis and Prof Eva Ärlemalm-Hagsér.
Over the two-day event, early childhood professionals from diverse sectors came together to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and explore new ways to advance sustainability in early childhood education. The conference was filled with insightful discussions, inspiring keynote presentations, and hands-on workshops, all aimed at empowering educators to integrate sustainability into their daily practice.
Designing Learning Experiences with an Ethical Lens
On Saturday 29 July 2023, educators gathered at Diamond Creek Memorial Kindergarten for a professional learning session focused on designing learning experiences through an ethical lens. Participants explored authentic examples of practice and gained insight into the thoughtful considerations educators make when sourcing materials, particularly in relation to ethical and sustainable acquisition of resources. The session offered valuable opportunities for reflection, discussion, and inspiration for embedding ethical and sustainable decision-making into everyday practice.
