Fresh fee hikes in 2026 have pushed childcare costs to record highs, with Sydney’s inner suburbs now topping the list as the most expensive places in the country. Daily fees in some centres have surged to $220 before subsidies, leaving parents facing thousands in extra out-of-pocket costs each year. Experts warn that further increases are likely in the coming years as wages, rent, and compliance costs continue to rise.

Child health experts are raising alarms: many Australian children are falling behind in basic motor and balance skills compared with previous years. The Australian Early Development Census revealed that only 52.9% of children are on track across five developmental domains, marking a decline since 2021.

These domains include physical health & well-being, social competence, emotional maturity, language & cognitive skills, and communication & general knowledge.

The 2026–27 Federal Budget continues the government’s push toward universal early childhood education and care, with key measures including a 15% educator pay rise, expansion of paid parental leave to six months, new inclusion support funding, and consultation on a national Early Education and Care Commission. These updates directly affect educators in long day care, OOSH, and family day care by reshaping workforce conditions, compliance, and child development supports.

Australia’s largest private childcare operator, G8 Education, has announced the closure of 40 centres nationwide, leaving thousands of families and educators facing uncertainty. The closures, spanning Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia, represent nearly 10% of G8’s 395-centre network.

Australia Day offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on the rich tapestry that makes this country truly unique. From the enduring wisdom and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the vibrant diversity of communities across the continent, Australia is a land of many voices, stories, and landscapes. Celebrating Australia Day means acknowledging the past, embracing the present, and nurturing a future built on respect, inclusion, and shared pride.

Australia Day, observed on 26 January, is a day of celebration for some but a day of mourning for many First Nations peoples. As educators, we hold the responsibility to model respect, inclusion, and truth-telling. Reframing the day as Our Land and Community Day allows us to celebrate what is beautiful about Australia—its land, animals, foods, and cultural diversity—while acknowledging the pain this date represents.

This approach is not about division. It is about honesty, empathy, and creating a safe, inclusive space for children and families.

In a landmark move toward greater transparency and accountability, the federal government has publicly named 29 childcare centres that failed to meet the NQS, placing them at risk of losing critical funding.

Numerous native animals of Australia are unique to our planet. Each of them has unique qualities that enable them to endure amid the vast wilderness and severe weather of Australia. The following article provides Videos and Printables on native Australian animals, their lifecycles and reproduction, how they behave in the wild and how the environment can affect wild animals and their habits. 

Virtual excursions enable Educators to use digital technology to immerse children in a range of learning opportunities from the comfort of the service. Children can explore and visit many destinations throughout Australia, rain hail or shine to learn about what makes Australia a unique place to live. The following provides a list of virtual excursions through Australia.