Uniting Early Learning Conference 2026

by Lola Sharef, UEL

The Uniting Early Learning Conference 2026 took place in September with the headline: " Lead with heart - Teach with purpose - Inspire with courage".

The goal of the conference is to inspire and equip UEL leaders and educators to lead with purpose, strengthen wellbeing and culture, foster meaningful connections, and work collaboratively towards achieving UEL's strategic vision while continuing to deliver high-quality outcomes for children, families, and communities.

This year's conference brought together leaders, coordinators, educators and support teams from across UEL to connect, learn, collaborate, and shape the future of the organisation. Held over three days, the conference focused on professional growth, wellbeing, strategic planning, leadership development, and strengthening relationships across the UEL community.

The program featured presentations and workshops from a range of speakers, including Bellbird, Sandi and Chris Phoenix on the topic Empowered Leadership: Building Strong Foundations for a Culture of Wellbeing; Christine Curphey from Tiny Souls Media on Supporting Social and Emotional Learning with Tiny Souls; and keynote speaker Julie Cross, who inspired attendees through sessions focused on leadership, resilience and personal growth.

A key component of the conference was the UEL Strategy Session, where participants worked collaboratively on future priorities relating to children and families, financial sustainability, and community and mission. These sessions encouraged cross-team collaboration and helped align attendees with UEL's strategic goals and vision.

The conference also celebrated the achievements of individuals and teams through the UEL Awards and Gala Night, recognising excellence, leadership, innovation, and service across the organisation.

This year's winners were:

Peer Choice Award: Junar Montenegro
Educator of the Year: Erin Walker
Rising Star of the Year: Joanne Sawtell
UEL Synod Leadership Team Member of the Year: Geordie Honeybrook
Service Leader of the Year: Fiona Rourke
Service of the Year: Uniting Early Learning Illoura

During the conference, we proudly unveiled the new UEL Indigenous Artwork which is now being used across UEL uniforms and has also been incorporated into notebooks, bookmarks, colouring sheets, and pens that will be distributed throughout our centres.

As the artist, Elaine Chambers-Hegarty, explains: “The artwork creates an understanding for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who work side by side within the organisation, fostering a sense of connection, knowledge, appreciation, and belonging.”

We are excited to share this meaningful artwork and the story behind it with the wider Uniting community.  See the image below for the artist's explanation of the artwork.