S2E3 - Cath Fitzhardinge: Reclaiming Nature, Movement and Wellbeing in Childhood

What if the most effective form of advocacy isn’t about convincing others, but about modelling intention and sharing curiosity in the everyday moments of our practice? How might our own playful engagement as adults rekindle both our resilience and our capacity to truly lead in the early years?

What if burnout isn’t personal failure—but a signal that the system needs to evolve? How might our schools and workplaces transform if we centred emotional awareness and regulation in professional practice?

What if leadership in early childhood wasn’t about having the answers, but about cultivating the courage to ask better questions—of children, educators, and ourselves? In a sector where change can feel slow, how might your voice, your email, or your conversation be the catalyst for systemic transformation? 🎙️ Episode Summary In this inspiring episode of Leading the Early Years for the Future, host Amie Fabry sits down with Ciara Conran, a passionate educational leader and advocate for the early childhood sector. Together, they explore Ciara’s journey from educator to curriculum leader across five services, delving into her commitment to play-based and inquiry-led learning. Ciara shares how her lived experience as a mother of three and a lifelong learner shapes her leadership, and how her courageous advocacy is helping influence change at both the service and systemic levels. With warmth and conviction, Ciara unpacks the power of voice, the importance of listening, and the urgency of acting on behalf of children, educators, and the future of early learning. About Ciara Conran Ciara Conran is a dynamic early childhood education leader who brings over a decade of experience to her role as a curriculum and pedagogy leader across five early learning centres. Originally from Ireland, Ciara studied Education and Training at Dublin City University before immigrating to Australia in 2014, just as the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) was gaining traction nationally. Her practice is grounded in a belief in the autonomy and capability of young children, and she champions play- and inquiry-based learning. Ciara is also a relentless advocate for sector reform—speaking at national forums, engaging directly with government ministers, and working alongside policymakers to address issues such as workforce qualifications and immigration pathways for educators. Known for her deep sense of justice, tireless energy, and commitment to elevating others, Ciara is driven by one clear purpose: ensuring all children have access to empowered educators and meaningful early learning experiences. She continues to study, mentor, and lead with an unwavering belief in the collective capacity of the sector to drive real change.

In this rich and heartfelt conversation, host Dr Amie Fabry speaks with Adam Christie, early childhood educator, leader, consultant, and co-author of Redefining Planning and Assessment. Together, they explore the layered journey of leadership in early childhood education, emphasising the intertwining of personal and professional identities. Adam reflects on the pivotal role of values-led leadership, the importance of pedagogical companionship, and how educators can create brave, vulnerable spaces that lead to deeper professional reflection. He encourages leaders to “play the long game”—to slow down, listen to context, and co-construct meaningful change with children, families, and colleagues. The conversation touches on the need for clear visions, systemic advocacy, and rethinking outdated structures that may no longer serve. Adam also offers insight into finding hope and joy in everyday moments with children, framing this as a powerful form of advocacy and professional sustenance in challenging times. About Adam Christie Adam is a passionate early childhood teacher with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Arts from Flinders University, South Australia. He holds a Diploma in strategic leadership and is currently studying a master’s in educational leadership at the University of South Australia. Adam has 17 years experience in early childhood education and care working across non-government and government services as an educator, teacher and leader. He has extensive experience as a systems leader in Government organisations, coordinating networked approaches to leading learning. Adam is now an early childhood consultant working alongside leaders and teams with a focus on leadership, pedagogy and practice. Areas of research interest include early childhood ethics, systems leadership, pedagogical documentation and practitioner inquiry.

In this heartfelt and deeply reflective episode of Leading the Early Years for the Future, host Dr Amie Fabry is joined by Sam Jockel, CEO of ParentTV and co-creator of the documentary Seen. Sam opens up about her personal and professional journey—from building one of Australia’s most trusted parenting platforms to confronting the uncomfortable truths of modern parenting. Together, they unpack the emotional labour of parenting, the disconnect between intention and presence, and how our cultural obsession with productivity often comes at the cost of connection. Sam shares her hard-won insights on family leadership, self-awareness, and the power of slowing down to truly see our children.