ECEC Conversations | Session 1
Everyday Eco Adventures: Sustainability & Environmental Literacy for Children
4 March, 2026 | 11:00 am–12:00 pm AEDT
Session 1
Everyday Eco Adventures: Sustainability & Environmental Literacy for Children
This conversation will explore how educators can help children connect with and care for the natural world—encouraging curiosity, responsibility and hands-on engagement through activities such as gardening, recycling and energy-saving projects. The aim is to make sustainability both meaningful and practical within early learning and OSHC settings.
Join us for this interactive session as we explore key ways to embed environmental sustainability and literacy in your ECEC service through practical, engaging activities and policies that foster lifelong eco-awareness in young children.
Speakers
Cate McQuillen
Creative Producer/Director/Writer, mememe productions
Cate McQuillen is an eco-educationalist, Emmy Award winner and founder of dirtgirlworld and Get Grubby TV. A trailblazer in regenerative parenting and sustainability education, she champions 'Courage over Hope' and leads with the #WeAreNature hashtag. Her Get Grubby Program reaches 3,000 schools nationally across 32 LGAs.
In 2024, Cate was named Northern Rivers Business Leader of the Year, with her company mememe productions earning multiple awards, including AAEE Environmental Education Business of the Year (2023). She was also awarded the 2025 AAEE Professional Environmental Educators of the Year. A sought-after speaker and CVC co-designer for Fires To Flourish, she sits on Prosper 2040's advisory board and holds a Bachelor of Education from Deakin University.
Angus Gorrie
Director/Playworker, Outsiders: Play Advocates
Angus utilises his Bachelor of Behavioural Science and Psychology in combination with a Playwork Certificate, and nearly 2 decades of experience applying both in the field to inform his play pedagogical approaches, ensuring TOPA delivers outstanding playwork-inspired programs that align with the Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) learning framework, My Time, Our Place (MTOP). As an independent researcher and author in the field of Playwork, Angus is at the forefront of exploring the profound connection between play and well-being.
Within TOPA's consultancy branch, Angus has inspired countless educators and teachers, empowering them to embark on their own play journeys within their work environments. His commitment to advancing an understanding of the broad scope of play has left a lasting impact on individuals and educational communities alike.
Tracy Kilpady
Manager of Education,
Xplor Education
Tracy has years of experience and expertise in education. While studying, she completed extensive placements totalling over 120 days across various settings, including daycare centres, kindergartens, primary schools, and out-of-school care (OSHC), catering to children from birth to age 12. She also developed and implemented a program designed to support students in their transition to a new setting called “Transition to Prep.”
Recognising her passion for teaching and fostering engaging learning experiences, she was a dedicated prep teacher until 2020. Tracy now serves as Manager of Education at Xplor Education. Tracy revels in collaborating with a team of inspired and enthusiastic individuals dedicated to leaving a lasting, positive impact on the education sector. Their shared goal is to empower those who utilise the software, engage with families and, most importantly, provide the best possible educational experiences for the children in their care.
Upcoming Sessions
3 June 2026
19 August 2026
TBD
On-demand Sessions
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