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Welcome to the July–September edition of the ECA NT Newsletter!
The beautiful dry season in the North and the cooler weather in the South of the NT has kept the ECA NT team active and productive. We kicked off the quarter with an ECA NT Team Building Day. The morning began with a surprise visit from our CEO, Samantha Page, followed by a Cultural Immersion led by Trent Lee (Larrakia Traditional Owner) at East Point, where the team participated in weaving, saltwater, and fire-making activities. In the afternoon, Sam shared and took a deeper dive with the team on ECA’s new Strategic Plan 2025-2030.
Early Learning Matters Week
This year’s Early Learning Matters Week was a spectacular success, with politicians around the country visiting ECEC services to shine a light on the importance of the early years. In the Northern Territory, the NT Committee and team came together with local communities in Darwin, Katherine, and Alice Springs to celebrate the importance of early learning. These events highlighted the vital role early childhood education plays in supporting children’s development and wellbeing. A big thank you to everyone who joined in, shared their support, and helped shine a light on the sector.
Sector Engagement and Child Safety
ECA teamed up with the NT Department of Education and Training to host A Conversation with the Minister on Child Safety. This event generated strong participation both in person and online, giving the sector an opportunity to share experiences, ideas, and challenges around safeguarding children. We look forward to building on this momentum at an upcoming roundtable with the NT Government.
In response to recent revelations regarding child safety in the ECEC sector, ECA has set up a Rapid Response Taskforce of experts and developed free online resources to support ECEC staff in safeguarding children. You can access these here: Children’s Safety and Safeguarding in Early Childhood Services
ECA will also deliver a Master Class in Child Safety at the upcoming national conference in Perth.
Policy and National Work
Nationally, ECA continues to contribute to two key forums following the NDIS Review:
- The Federal Government’s announcement of the ‘Thriving Kids’ initiative, a new program to support children with mild to moderate developmental delays and autism outside the NDIS. An Advisory Committee, co-chaired by Minister Mark Butler and Professor Frank Oberklaid, will oversee its development. ECA looks forward to contributing over the next 12 months.
- The Australian Child and Family Support Alliance, of which ECA is a Steering Committee member, will soon table an Insights Paper in Parliament outlining foundational principles for Thriving Kids and Foundational Supports initiatives.
In August, ECA also participated in an ACECQA workshop to help develop an Inclusion Capabilities Framework for ECEC services, which will be available online in the coming months.
Team Talk
In Katherine, our Inclusion Professional Mackenzie Kidd has embraced her new role with enthusiasm and curiosity. She’s quickly becoming an integral part of the team, so if you haven't met her yet, you will soon!
In Darwin, we welcome Leanne De Bono as an Inclusion Professional. Leanne brings extensive experience in Early Childhood Education and Care, including several years working in remote communities across the NT and the Kimberley region of WA. She is excited to continue supporting services in Darwin to build inclusive practices and help children and families thrive.
The admin team welcomed the warm and bubbly Grace Bell and Ashleigh Brennan.
Priscila Borges has relocated to Brisbane this quarter but will continue supporting funding applications with Directors via online platforms.
We farewelled Claire Bredhauer, who has recently left the team. Claire made a valuable contribution to ECA NT during her time here and will be greatly missed.
We also farewelled the diligent Denisse Gonzalez, who has moved to the Geelong region to be closer to family.
Looking Ahead
There’s plenty to look forward to in the coming months:
- At the ECA Conference in October in Perth, Aline Harten and Luiza Gava will present on the NDIS early supports program, The Power of Play. We encourage attendees to join this session to learn more about the rich work happening in the NT.
- Vanessa Burton and Jarrah Alemna-Abellana will present at the Little People Big Dreams Conference in Darwin on inclusive practice through sensory play. ECA will also host a stand at the conference, featuring resources from the ECA catalogue available to purchase.
Finally, congratulations to all finalists in the NT Education and Care Awards. Your work is inspiring, and we hope you see yourselves as winners. While only one winner is chosen per category, the judges had a very tough task!
We look forward to celebrating your achievements in the evening.
Little Crocs, Timber Creek "valuing inclusion"
Minister Hersey, Mackenzie and Jacinta in Katherine
Little Flyers Childcare, Darwin "valuing inclusion"
Buddy Bags Delivery in the NT
We were grateful to receive a generous delivery of Buddy Bags from the Alannah & Madeline Foundation. These were shared with the Katherine Women’s Shelter, the Darwin Aboriginal & Islander Women’s Shelter, and have also recently arrived at the Muṯitjulu Community Clinic. Each service will ensure the Buddy Bags reach children who need them most, offering comfort and support during challenging times.
Mackenzie Kidd – Inclusion Professional, Katherine NT
Mackenzie lives in Katherine with her partner and their sausage dog. She has almost four years of experience in the inclusion space as an Inclusion Support Assistant at St Joseph’s Catholic College and has also coordinated the After School Care program. In this role, she designed and delivered programs that supported children with a wide range of needs. Mackenzie is passionate about helping services strengthen their inclusive practices and is excited to step into her new role with ECA NT. She looks forward to visiting communities across the NT and supporting every child to thrive.
Leanne De Bono – Inclusion Professional, Darwin NT
Leanne brings many years of experience in Early Childhood Education and Care. She began her career as an untrained educator before studying and working across a variety of services and roles, supporting children and families along the way. For the past four and a half years, Leanne has lived and worked in remote communities across the NT and the Kimberley region of WA. Returning now to Darwin, she is excited to continue her work with ECA NT, supporting services to build inclusive practices and helping children and families to thrive.
Ashleigh Brennan - NDIS Admin & Program Support Officer
Originally from South Australia, Ashleigh has embraced Darwin’s vibrant lifestyle, warm climate, and outdoor opportunities. With a background in veterinary client relations, she developed strong communication skills and a natural ability to connect with people, children, and animals. Ashleigh is enthusiastic about learning more in the early childhood sector and making a positive contribution to children and families. She loves camping, scenic views, and spending time by the water, and she looks forward to growing her skills and supporting the work of ECA NT.
Grace Bell - Admin & Program Support Officer
Grace recently relocated from Southwest Victoria to Darwin for a lifestyle change and to support her partner’s AFL commitments. Her background includes working in a Paediatric Clinic and in school settings, giving her valuable experience in supporting children, families, and staff. Grace is looking forward to contributing to the ECA NT team and being part of work that supports children’s learning and wellbeing. Outside of work, she enjoys pilates, netball, camping, and socialising with family and friends.
Be-Inclusive Games – Community Day
ECA was excited to be part of the Be-Inclusive Games – Community Day at the Darwin Waterfront in early July, proudly hosted by The Clubhouse Project. It was a fantastic day with beautiful weather, free activities, and fun inclusive experiences for all.
Northern Territory Education & Care Awards
Finalists have been selected, celebrating the Territory’s best early childhood and outside school hours care educators, services and programs.
As judging coordinators, ECA NT has supported the process over the past few months, and now we’re ready to celebrate!
See the finalists at: educationandcareawards.nt.gov.au
Best of luck to all finalists and thank you to our judges and educators for the incredible work you do with our youngest Territorians.
Little People Big Dreams
Join ECA's very own Jarrah Aleman-Abellana (Inclusion Professional) and Vanessa Burton (Early Childhood Practitioner) at their breakout session 'Inclusive practice through sensory play – why it matters in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings.
Early Learning Matters Week
From 18–22 August, Early Learning Matters Week was held across Australia, shining a spotlight on the importance of early learning in shaping children’s futures. The week highlighted the value of play, strong family partnerships, community connections, and the incredible work of early childhood educators.
At Stuart Park Child Care Centre, celebrations included a special morning tea on Thursday, 21 August, co-hosted with Early Childhood Australia (ECA). Families and members of the ECA NT Committee joined us to connect, share stories, and celebrate the role of early learning in children’s development.
On Friday, 22 August, we were honoured to welcome Minister Selena Uibo, who met with children and educators. The Minister recognised the dedication of the early years workforce and presented a token of appreciation to our educators for their commitment to children’s wellbeing, learning, and growth.
The week was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate early learning and the community who make it possible.
NT Committee
NT Forum on Child Safety
Child safety was the focus of a recent NT forum hosted by Minister Jo Hersey, with strong attendance from ECA members and early years leaders. Discussions highlighted the importance of workforce capability, a Territory‑wide child safety strategy, and intergovernmental collaboration. Participants called for ongoing, collaborative action to safeguard children’s wellbeing.
Nominations to join the ECA National Board
Early Childhood Australia is inviting nominations for five upcoming vacancies on our National Board. This is your opportunity to help guide a national not-for-profit organisation that champions children’s rights, advocates for social policy reform, and leads sector-wide professional learning.
Nominations close on Tuesday 30 September 2025. Visit our Website to find out more.
Early Childhood Australia NT acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout the Northern Territory and pay our respect to Elders past and present for their continuing custodianship of the land and the children of this land, across the generations.
