Lisa Bryant
Lisa is an advocate, consultant and journalist in the education and care sector. She is a regular opinion writer for Fairfax newspapers and the ABC on early education and childcare issues, co-author of publications such as A Director’s Manual, Managing an early education and care service in Australia and Fair's Fair: How to tackle bias in education and care services. Lisa undertakes research about social planning and education and care provision. Lisa is a sought after keynote speaker on education and care issues. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of government policy (historical and current) in the early education and care areas. Her especial interest is the impact that the gendered nature of the sector has on those working in the sector. Lisa is proud to work in a sector dominated by strong, lively women who stand up for children’s rights on a daily basis.
Dr. Leanne Gibbs
Leanne Gibbs has worked in the early childhood education and community sector for over 30 years. Her experience is supported by qualifications in education, public policy, politics, leadership and management. Her roles have included teacher and director of long day care and preschool programs, adviser and manager with local state and federal government, teacher and lecturer within early education, management and leadership programs for TAFE and Macquarie University. She has been a manager of professional development programs for major providers and Chief Executive Officer for an Australian sector peak organisation. She has recently completed a PhD candidate with Charles Sturt University, and is a consultant, Board member and co-host of the Early Education Show podcast.
Liam McNicholas
Liam is an experienced early childhood teacher, writer and advocate. As well as managing community not-for-profit early childhood operations in a variety of roles including strategic leadership, he is an advocate for children's human rights; the need for investment in early childhood education; and for professional recognition and wages for early childhood professionals. Liam is a regular writer and speaker, and has written pieces for ABC News and New Matilda. Liam currently works for Northside Community Service in the A.C.T., overseeing Northside's Professional Leadership and Practice program.
