9th May 2025
Shaping the future of Australian childhood, together.
This June, the philanthropic partners of IDAC will convene the National Early Years Policy Summit in partnership with Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), as part of Brisbane’s Out Of The Box Festival. Held 17–18 June at Brisbane's South Bank Cultural Precinct, the Summit will bring together early years leaders, policymakers, practitioners, artists, Elders, parents and caregivers to chart a new wave of change for children in Australia. Together, we’ll reflect on what’s working — and co-design what’s next. A future where every child, regardless of their background, is supported by a holistic, world-leading early childhood development system. With themes ranging from strengthening systems and supporting families to reimagining childhood through arts and play, the Summit is for anyone working to improve outcomes for children across policy, practice and community. Early bird tickets are available until 19 May. Let’s create lasting change — for this generation, and the next.
Proudly sponsored by ARACY and Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership.
Who’s speaking up for children in Cabinet?
Right now, children are the only Australians without a voice in Cabinet — and a growing alliance says it’s time to fix that.
Today, a broad alliance of 47 organisations from across the child health, education, legal and social service sectors has called on the PM to appoint a Cabinet Minister for Children — a dedicated leader to represent the rights and wellbeing of millions of children.
As the PM shapes his next Cabinet, the alliance is urging leaders to deliver on the government’s promise of a country where no one is left behind — starting with children, who will live longest with the outcomes of today’s decisions.
A Cabinet Minister for Children would represent kids across all portfolios, lead a coordinated whole-of-government approach to improve outcomes, and help align state and federal efforts. It’s a bold step toward a fairer, more resilient Australia.
Open Call for Papers: Future Healthy Countdown 2030 Supplement to the Medical Journal of Australia
The Future Healthy Countdown 2030 (a collaboration led by ARACY, VicHealth, and MCRI) is seeking expressions of interest for research papers for next year’s Supplement to the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA). We are interested in cutting-edge research demonstrating how policy and practice can promote good physical and mental health in children and young people (aged 0-24 years) in Australia.
Accepted EOIs will be invited to submit a full paper as part of our 2026 Supplement to the MJA. Authors will have the opportunity to participate in events, knowledge translation, and collaborative advocacy campaigns related to the launch of the Supplement.
Submission deadline: 11:59 pm AEST, Friday 27th June 2025
How safe and secure are Australia’s children and young people?
Join ARACY and UNICEF Australia as we launch our latest report, Building a Secure Future, exploring how to protect children and young people better and ensure their right to safety and security is upheld.
🗓 Thursday 15 May | ⏰ 11am–12pm AEST | 💻 Online Hear from experts including Katie Maskiell, Professor Daryl Higgins, and Oliver White. Don’t miss this important conversation.
Here’s a powerful opportunity to reflect on healing, connection, and the role men can play in supporting children’s wellbeing. SEEN The Film is a compelling new documentary by ParentTV that explores the impact of personal healing on parenting and child development. Join a special online screening on Sunday, 25 May, followed by a live Q&A with the dads featured in the film – including neuroscience educator Nathan Wallis, former NRL player Joe Williams and Terry Downes. Learn more: https://seenthefilm.com/
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