On Saturday, 9 May 2026, Fire and Rescue NSW will welcome families across the state to its annual Open Day. From 10am to 2pm, local fire stations will open their doors, offering a rare chance to meet firefighters, climb aboard fire trucks, and learn how simple steps like maintaining a working smoke alarm can save lives.

On 27 February 2026, Australia’s early childhood education sector entered a new era of accountability and child protection. The commencement of Part 6A of the National Law introduced strict bans on personal devices, mandatory child safety training, and a legal requirement that every decision must prioritise children’s well-being.

At the centre of this case is an incident captured on CCTV at an early learning service in Bathurst, where 18‑year‑old educator Hayley Kelleher grabbed and dragged a three‑year‑old boy by the arm during rest time. The child was not injured, but the action breached expected standards of conduct and resulted in a conviction for common assault. What the court documents also reveal, however, is that Kelleher was visibly overwhelmed, repeatedly sought help from a senior colleague, and was ignored—leaving a young, inexperienced educator to manage a high‑pressure situation entirely on her own.

A leading not-for-profit childcare provider has raised concerns about proposed safety regulations in the early childhood sector, cautioning that while well-intentioned, the new rules could have unintended consequences for both staff and families.

In early childhood education and care, child safety is more than a policy—it’s a daily commitment to creating environments where children feel protected, respected, and empowered. While audits and investigations play a critical role in accountability, true safeguarding begins with proactive reflection. That’s where the Child Safe Self-Assessment tool from the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian steps in.

A major childcare provider operating 18 centres across New South Wales has introduced a $20 fine for families who fail to follow prescribed drop-off and pick-up procedures. The move—framed as a compliance measure—has sparked widespread concern among families, educators, and advocates, especially given the provider’s recent scrutiny during a parliamentary inquiry into safety breaches.

In a moment of reckoning for one of the nation’s largest early childhood education providers, Tim Hickey, CEO of Affinity Education Group, has publicly apologised for a series of safety breaches across the organisation’s centres. His statement was delivered during a New South Wales parliamentary inquiry examining systemic issues in childcare safety and regulation.