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.

Goodstart Early Learning Albany recently hosted a magical Date Night that brought smiles to children and gave families a much‑needed chance to relax and reconnect.

The centre came alive after hours, with children enjoying a hearty spaghetti dinner, fun games, and a cosy movie to wind down. The atmosphere was warm, relaxed, and filled with laughter, a reminder of how special community events can be.

The Professional Development Subsidy – National Child Safety Training will be open for applications on 28 April 2026, giving providers the opportunity to strengthen staff skills and support professional growth. These subsidies are paid directly to providers, who then pass the funding on to staff. Individual staff members cannot apply themselves, so it’s important to talk with your service leadership if you think you may be eligible.

NSW employers may soon face fines of up to nearly $100,000 per breach for workplace bullying and other psychosocial harms, under new SafeWork reforms aimed at strengthening mental health protections in the workplace. The reforms include deploying specialised inspectors and investing heavily in enforcement to ensure compliance.

On March 31, 2026, the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA) announced a 90-day suspension of Milestones Early Learning Werribee, operated by Affinity Education Group. The suspension, effective April 13, follows findings of serious breaches of the Education and Care Services National Law, specifically around children’s health, safety, and wellbeing.

Across Australia, childcare enrollments are falling as families grapple with the rising cost of living. Services report a noticeable decline compared to the previous quarter, with many parents reducing or withdrawing their use of early childhood education. This shift highlights the growing tension between household affordability and access to quality care, raising concerns for both families and the sector.

As of 1 March 2026, the Fair Work Commission’s changes to the Children’s Services Award 2010 officially took effect, and now—one month later—all early childhood educators covered by the award should have received their pay increase. This marks a significant step in addressing gender-based undervaluation in the sector.

In 2025, several Australian training providers had their registrations cancelled by ASQA, leading to the invalidation of qualifications such as the Certificate III and Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. These cancellations highlight serious compliance failures and affect many students who must now seek legitimate pathways to requalify.

Spot checks are unannounced, in-person visits conducted by authorised officers and will continue in 2026. Their purpose is to ensure services are meeting their legal obligations and correctly managing the CCS. These checks are part of strengthening compliance and safeguarding children’s well-being.