MEDIA RELEASE
7 May 2025
Leaders gather to discuss the future of Australian childhood: National Early Years Policy Summit comes to QPAC’s Out of the Box Festival in Brisbane
Australia’s early years leaders will come together in Brisbane this June to discuss the future of the nation’s children, with tickets now on sale for the National Early Years Policy Summit at QPAC’s Out of the Box festival.
Held from June 17 to 18 at Brisbane’s Southbank Cultural Precinct, the two-day Summit will bring together international and national leaders, thinkers, practitioners, artists, parents, caregivers, Elders and community leaders to drive the next wave of change for Australia’s children.
Convened by the philanthropic partners involved in the Investment Dialogue for Australia’s Children (IDAC) in partnership with the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), the Summit will chart a path for future reform across early years systems and services.
“This Summit is an incredible opportunity for us to come together in the middle of the happy mayhem of the Out of the Box children’s festival in Brisbane and talk about the most important thing in the world – the future of our kids,” said Matthew Cox, Executive Director of The Bryan Foundation.
“We have seen significant developments in the early years sector in recent years. This Summit will allow us to pause, take stock and look to the future as we consider the kind of child development system we want to build, so that every child, no matter where they come from, has a well-supported pathway through their early years.”
Set against the backdrop of Brisbane’s beloved Out of the Box festival for children eight years and under, the Summit will feature conversations on stage, artistic performances, breakout sessions and networking events, tackling the big and small questions about the future of child development, education and family support in Australia.
The Summit program will be structured across two focus areas: taking stock of the early years and childhood in Australia, and setting the course for what comes next.
“We’ll be asking fundamental questions about our early learning and childcare systems but also zooming out to examine the broader challenges facing childhood today — such as how we de-pressurise childhood and encourage active outdoor play in an increasingly digital world,” Mr Cox said.
Speakers will include some of Australia’s leading voices in child development and early learning.
“High-quality, responsive maternal and child health services are an essential part of a holistic early childhood development system. This summit will examine what steps we need to take to ensure every child and family has access to such a system,” said Penny Dakin, Minderoo Foundation Executive Director Communities.
“Improving the early years positively influences the trajectory of a person’s life and plays a crucial role in strengthening families and entire communities. The conversations at this summit will help take us forward in the collective journey to improve outcomes for generations of Australian children.”
Over two days, the Summit will explore:
- How to create a world-leading child development system
- How to better support First Nations children and families
- The intersection of arts, culture and childhood
- Strengthening government systems to deliver for Australia’s children and families
- Building a thriving early childhood workforce
- Supporting parents and building great home and community environments for our children
- The next wave of reform to drive change
“There’s something in this conversation for everyone,” Mr Cox said. “It’s exciting to have this happening during Out of the Box, with 100,000 kids descending on the precinct. It’s a beautiful crossover between arts, culture and kids — and a reminder of what’s at stake for our future.”
Rachel Healy, QPAC Chief Executive, said: “Our passionate belief in the importance of arts education for children has always been at the heart of our Out of the Box festival. We are thrilled to be partnering with these respected organisations to deliver the summit as part of this year’s event, as we explore the theme of hope.
“The festival places children at the centre, delivering rich, high-quality artistic experiences that encourage literacy, health and wellbeing, inclusion and belonging. We couldn’t think of a more perfect or joyous environment to host an event focused on improving our children’s lives.
“We know that arts participation and creative expression positively impact mental health and social and emotional wellbeing, and must be a central tenet of policy reform for our kids.”
Tickets for the Summit are on sale now, with early bird registrations available until 19 May 2025. Ticket purchase includes access to all sessions across both days, catered meals, networking events, a complimentary Out of the Box show ticket, and special festival offerings.
For more information and to register click the button below or email outofthebox@qpac.com.au
Media Contact: Amy 0437 027 156
