Early Childhood Australia (ECA) is pleased to announce the 2026 ECA Reconciliation Symposium will convene in Tarndanya (Adelaide, South Australia) on 1 and 2 May 2026.
After 11 dynamic years of deep reflection and informed action, the ECA Reconciliation Symposium is evolving.
Building on its success of bringing the sector together to consider the state of reconciliation in our nation and within children’s education and care, we are stepping into a renewed effort to progress this work. The Symposium will now refine its focus to illuminate the practical embedding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives across early childhood education.
ECA is steadfast in our commitment to reconciliation and our responsibility to progress that agenda for future generations of Australian children. The next phase of the Symposium continues to support ECA’s Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan, Winanggaay—Look, Listen and Learn, and will focus on strengthening early childhood professionals to build culturally responsive practice that honours the world’s oldest continuing cultures. While reconciliation remains an essential lens, the Symposium will now place greater emphasis on practical learning, guidance and collaboration.
Over two interactive days, participants will engage in facilitated discussions that nurture respectful dialogue, deep listening and shared understanding from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous presenters. The Symposium will create a culturally safe space for learning, reflection, connection and shared action, empowering professionals to work confidently and respectfully within cultural protocols.
This collaborative learning experience strongly reflects the principles of the Early Years Learning Framework (V2.0), strengthening relationships, building inclusive communities and enhancing children’s sense of belonging, being and becoming.
The work we do in the early years has the power to shape a stronger, more connected future for all Australians. This new direction marks the next step in our ongoing commitment to that shared journey.
Why should I attend?
- Connect with top experts in the early childhood sector, fostering unity in the journey toward reconciliation.
- Gain practical ideas for embedding reconciliation in your practice, tailored to diverse communities across Australia.
- Improve communication to cultivate positive relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Non-Indigenous Australians.
- Empower your team with tools for healing, truth-telling, connection and action.
- Be part of a brighter future through meaningful dialogue and action, driving positive change.
Registration
Registration for the 2026 Reconciliation Symposium is NOW OPEN.
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Register nowDiscount for ECA Members
Early Childhood Australia members receive a discount to the symposium. If you are interested in becoming a member, there are a variety of Early Childhood Australia membership categories to choose from.
Learn MoreThe ECA Reconciliation Symposium:
- provides the opportunity for those working to support young children in their wellbeing, education and care to engage and immerse themselves in discussion about reconciliation
- brings culturally diverse perspectives, evidence-based practice, traditions and new thinking together
- provides opportunities to connect with colleagues, network and share best practices
- is an event for educators from all backgrounds, across all service settings and levels
- will feature leaders in early education as well as informational feature speakers on reconciliation
- will take delegates on a journey together, contributing shared knowledge and dialogue throughout the event
- will feature formal table discussions and informal networking opportunities.
