9 September 2026

FDCA Member-Elected Director Voting Now Open

FDCA is holding an election to fill two (2) member-elected Director positions on our Board, the voting period is now open. 

The FDCA Board of Directors is focused on the effective governance of the organisation, including strategic direction, finance, compliance and risk management. Some of the responsibilities of the Board include:

• Crafting the mission, vision and values of the organisation;
• Reviewing financial statements, approving the budget and ensuring that the financial assets of the organisation are safeguarded and used appropriately; and
• Monitoring progress towards the achievement of goals and objectives set out in the strategic plan.

The collaborative and performance-driven culture of the Board of Directors reflects FDCA’s commitment to best practice and continuous improvement as your peak national body.

To view profiles of the candidates who have successfully nominated for this position, please click here.

In accordance with FDCA’s constitution and the Board Director Nomination and Election Standing Order of the Board, the election campaign will be conducted by an online voting ballot, where current financial members of FDCA are eligible to place a single vote for the vacant position.

Voting commenced Thursday 3 September 2026 and concludes at 5.00pm (AEST) on Thursday 17 September 2026. FDCA members are advised to check their inbox for an email bulletin sent on Thursday 3 September that contains instructions on how to vote.

R U OK?DAY

This Thursday, September 10, is R U OK?DAY - a day dedicated to life-changing conversations. The R U OK? Foundation recognises that people go through life’s ups and downs every day and have resources to help keep the conversation going year round. 

Research shows that 1 in 4 people hesitate to ask, even when they think someone might be struggling - R U OK? Aims to change this by equipping people with the tools to have a conversation that might change a life.

For more information on R U OK?DAY and to access the resources available year round, please click here.

National Child Protection Week 2026

National Child Protection Week runs from 6–12 September 2026 under the theme, 'Every Conversation Matters: Shifting Conversation to Action'.

 Led by NAPCAN, National Child Protection Week brings Australians together to consider how we can prevent child abuse and neglect and create safe, supportive environments where children and young people can thrive.

 This year’s theme reminds us that conversations are important, but meaningful change happens when those conversations lead to practical action.
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For family day care services and educators, this could include:

• listening to and acting on children’s views and concerns
• helping children understand their rights and identify trusted adults
• discussing child-safe practices with families
• ensuring educators and staff feel confident raising and responding to concerns
• identifying one practical action that could further strengthen child safety and wellbeing.

Visit the NAPCAN National Child Protection Week website to access free webinars, downloadable resources and ideas for getting involved

Free Disability Standards Training for Family Day Care

Free online training is now available to help family day care educators and service leaders understand the Disability Standards for Education 2005.

The Standards explain the rights of children with disability and the responsibilities of education providers under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

From 1 August 2026, the Standards were extended to include Child Care Subsidy-approved early childhood education and care services, including family day care. While providers already had responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act, the Standards provide greater clarity about how these responsibilities apply in education and care settings.

Separate courses are available for:

• ECEC educators, including those working in family day care
• ECEC service leaders, co-ordinators and other service staff.

The course explores how the Standards apply in everyday practice, including consulting with children and families, making reasonable adjustments and preventing harassment and victimisation.

Each course takes approximately 90 minutes to complete, with participants receiving a certificate on completion. The training may contribute to professional learning requirements, depending on the requirements that apply to your role.

Register through the NCCD Portal to access the free training.

Rethinking Family Day Care: Turning Community Spaces into Family Day Care

As part of FDCA’s Rethinking Family Day Care series, we are sharing innovative models identified through the Australian Government-funded FDC Capability Trial.

Across Australia, many community buildings sit underutilised while families continue to experience limited access to education and care.

Repurposing existing community spaces offers an innovative way to expand family day care into communities where traditional models may not always be viable, while also creating new opportunities for educators.

This week’s story explores how Let’s Go Family Day Care is supporting educators to operate from approved community venues across regional Victoria, creating new opportunities for educators and improving access for families.

Click here to read the full story and consider – could an underused community space become your next family day care venue?