Fay Hadley is an Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education and the Director of Education at the School of Education, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.

Professor Lennie Barblett has extensive experience in early childhood education working in preschools then lecturing and researching at Edith Cowan University in the School of Education. She has research interests in quality early childhood curriculum and practices, learning through play, leadership, effective environments and children’s wellbeing.

Linda Harrison is a Professorial Research Fellow in Early Childhood Education at Macquarie University, and Adjunct Professor, Charles Sturt University.

Professor Cathrine Neilsen-Hewett is the Academic Director of The Early Years at the University of Wollongong.

Jo Grimmond has worked in early childhood education and care (ECEC) for 30 years as a teacher, director, lecturer, trainer, and community engagement coordinator.  She is also certified in the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), and uses this experience and expertise to support educators in their work with children with Autism.

Dr Niraj (Nij) Lal just loves science—he’s practically obsessed. He did a PhD in it at the University of Cambridge in 2012 and in 2016 was named one of the ABC’s Top 5 Scientists under 40.

Victoria has more than 15 years of experience working with children in long day care and outside school hours care programs. Victoria has also held leadership roles centred on helping educators move towards quality and research-based pedagogical approaches.

Victoria McDowell has a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) degree from Macquarie University, specialising in early education for children from birth to eight years. She has more than 16 years of experience working in a range of different roles in a variety of services across the sector—including, but not limited to, early childhood teacher and group leader, centre manager and educational leader.