Who we are
The ECA Victoria Committee is a volunteer-led group representing Victoria within Early Childhood Australia’s national network. We connect local members to national advocacy and initiatives.
| Co-Chair | Dr Helen Schiele |
| Co-Chair | Sharon Jordan |
| Finance Liaison Officer | David Wright |
| General Member | Nicole Talarico |
| General Member | Sam Vale |
| General Member | Daniel Leach-McGill |
| General Member | Sarah Louise Nelson |
| General Member | Anna Tibb |
| General Member | Shefali Sardana |
| General Member | Leanne Mits |
| General Member | Alison Teece |
What we do
We represent young children by engaging with parents, governments, educators, carers, and the community. The committee promotes high standards in early childhood practice and contributes to policy discussions affecting children and their families. We engage members through annual research forum, social media, sharing updates on policy, research, and sector issues. Our ongoing initiatives focus on growing membership and advocating for the early childhood workforce.
Ongoing initiatives
Child Information Sharing Scheme (CISS)
Victorian information-sharing reforms enable services to share relevant information to improve child safety, support wellbeing and respond to family violence through coordinated cross-sector collaboration.
Achievements and impact
- The ECA Victoria Committee has taken the Friends of Treaty pledge, joining other organizations across Victoria in supporting the journey towards Treaty. This public pledge centers on four principles: collaboration with First Peoples’ communities, education to build cultural competence, advocacy for Treaty in our sector, and activation—encouraging our networks to walk with us on this shared journey. The Friends of Treaty initiative is led by the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and aims to strengthen allyship and public awareness for Treaty.
- Sponsored two ECA Victoria Committee members to attend the Reconciliation Symposium, supporting professional development and reconciliation in early childhood
- Sponsored five ECA Victoria Committee members to attend the National ECA 2025 Perth Conference
- Delivered research forums, newsletters, and social media updates to keep members informed about sector policy, research, and issues
- Promoted high standards of practice and inclusion through collaboration with sector partners and participation in national initiatives
Connect with your committee
Email: ecavic@earlychildhood.org.au
Facebook: Early Childhood Australia – VIC
