2025 Annual Report now available

We’re pleased to share Family Day Care Queensland’s Annual Report. This year we navigated change, strengthened our foundations, and kept children’s safety and quality at the centre of everything we do.

Highlights at a glance

Read the full story, data and case examples inside the report.

Download the PDF report.

Coloured sand recall

Update – 20 November 2025: The Australian Government has declared a Child Care Subsidy (CCS) period of emergency from 12–21 November 2025 in response to the play sand recall, allowing affected services to claim CCS while closed and to waive gap fees, with unlimited allowable absences for families during this period.

Information for Queensland FDC families and educators

Decorative and coloured sand products used in homes, schools and playgroups across Australia are being recalled after testing found small amounts of asbestos in some batches.

These products are often used in early childhood education and care services, including family day care, for sensory play and craft activities.

What we know so far

For full product lists and recall notices, please refer to ACCC Product Safety.

What families and educators should do if they have the recalled sand

Based on current national advice:

Disposal in Queensland – why advice may differ between councils

National guidance from the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency is to dispose of affected sand at licensed asbestos disposal facilities, not in general waste. They offer a searchable map of disposal facilities across Australia.

In Queensland:

Because of this, we recommend that families and educators:

  1. Check the Queensland or national disposal facility finder to see which licensed sites are near them.
  2. Phone their local council or chosen facility before visiting to:
    • confirm whether they are accepting small quantities of recalled coloured sand
    • ask about any fees or booking requirements
    • confirm packaging and drop-off instructions.

Reassuring families

Families may be feeling worried or confused. You can reassure them that:

For a parent-friendly summary with links, you might like to read and share the Play Matters Australia coloured sand safety alert (playmatters.org.au)

Stay up to date

This article is a general summary only, based on information available from the ACCC, the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency, Queensland Health and other government sources as at 19 November 2025.

For the most up-to-date and detailed information, always check:

Family Day Care Queensland will continue to monitor updates and share key changes that affect family day care services, educators and families in Queensland.

Queensland shines at the 2025 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards

We are delighted to celebrate a proud moment for Queensland’s home-based early childhood education and care (ECEC) community. Three outstanding members of Family Day Care Queensland (FDCQ)—each representing one category in the national awards—were named national finalists in the Family Day Care Australia (FDCA) 2025 Excellence in Family Day Care Awards.

We are thrilled to announce that Christina Lee from We Belong FDC was crowned the national winner in the Coordinator of the Year category. This is a remarkable achievement and a well-deserved recognition of her dedication and professionalism.

Why this matters

The Excellence in Family Day Care Awards are the only national awards program in Australia dedicated specifically to home-based family day care. They shine a spotlight on the educators, coordinators and services who go above and beyond in delivering quality early learning and care. Family Day Care Australia, with the support of generous sector sponsors, have been running these awards for 14 years.
This year’s program reflects the sector’s ongoing commitment to quality, innovation and the safeguarding of children, especially at a time when families, regulators and the public are rightly focused on ensuring safe, nurturing, high-quality learning environments.

The vital role of the coordinator

The coordinator role is absolutely essential in the family day care sector. Simply put, a coordinator supports the educators, monitors and guides quality practices, links the service with families, and ensures operations comply with the national standards.
In more detail, coordinators:

By recognising a Coordinator of the Year, the sector celebrates this critical leadership role, which often works quietly but makes a huge difference to children’s outcomes and service viability. FDCQ applauds Ms Lee’s win and thanks We Belong FDC for fostering excellence within their service ranks.

Congratulations to Queensland finalists

Huge congratulations to Christina Jane (Choices FDC) and the We Belong FDC service for their national finalist status. Having members shortlisted across all three categories in Queensland/NT is a fantastic achievement and reflects the strength, innovation and commitment of our home-based care sector here.
And of course, a special congratulations again to Christina Lee for leading the way. Your dedication raises the bar for all of us.

A message for all providers and educators

To all FDCQ members — and to all educators, coordinators and services striving each day for excellence — your work matters. FDCA’s Excellence in Family Day Care Awards outcome reminds us that quality early learning and care in a family-based setting is a valued and vital part of the broader ECEC sector. As the country continues to focus on early childhood safeguarding, quality and service choice, your professionalism, responsiveness and relationship-centred practice stand out.

Thank you for all you do for children and families. Let’s keep pushing, innovating and championing family day care as a safe, flexible, high-quality alternative for families in Queensland and beyond.

Vale Cathy Bavage

Family Day Care Queensland is deeply saddened to acknowledge the passing of Cathy Bavage on Sunday, 21 September 2025. Cathy was not only one of Queensland’s most respected leaders in family day care, but also a cherished mentor, colleague, and friend to so many across our sector.

Cathy’s remarkable 38-year journey with Wynnum Family Day Care began in 1988, after her early career in child protection sparked her passion for creating safe, nurturing environments where children could thrive. Under her leadership, Wynnum FDC grew to become a model of excellence. In 2013, it was the first service in Australia to receive ACECQA’s Excellent Rating, and in the years that followed, it was recognised nationally as a benchmark for quality and innovation.

Cathy was an innovator and an advocate, never shying away from the big conversations. She played a pivotal role in elevating the role of carer to “Educator,” shaping professional identity in family day care. She was also a long-serving Director on the Board of Family Day Care Australia, where her wisdom and experience contributed significantly to national policy, practice, and governance — always with a focus on the needs of children, families, and educators in Queensland, to the benefit of children and educators Australia-wide.

As FDCQ’s very first Life Member, Cathy embodied the values of leadership, advocacy, and community connection that continue to guide our work today. Her influence extended far beyond her own service—mentoring new leaders, guiding services through complex change, and championing evidence-informed approaches that put children’s wellbeing first.

Cathy leaves behind a lasting legacy. Her dedication, passion, and belief in the power of family day care have shaped generations of educators, strengthened families, and improved the lives of countless children.

On behalf of the Queensland family day care community, we extend our deepest condolences to Cathy’s family and loved ones. We will miss her presence dearly, but her impact will be felt for years to come.

Putting children first

FDCQ supports national child-safety reforms, ready to work with the sector on sustainable implementation.

Family Day Care Queensland (FDCQ) welcomes the national child-safety decisions announced by the Hon. Jason Clare MP following the meeting of education ministers on Friday, 23 August. Our focus now is clear: work together to implement the changes in a way that keeps children safe, supports educators, and gives families confidence in home-based early education and care.

As the peak body for Family Day Care in Queensland, we will collaborate with other peak bodies and the government to translate the reforms into practical steps for services and educators. "We particularly welcome measures that improve visibility and capability across the system", says FDCQ's Board Chair, Dr. Fiona Margetts, acknowledging the organisation's support for a National Educator Register, mandatory child-safety training for all roles (including administration and management), and clearer information to help families make informed choices.

“Safety, wellbeing and thriving children are our priority. We welcome the national focus on prevention, training and accountability," says Stella Conway, CEO of FDCQ. Service providers, educators and families can be assured that FDCQ will work constructively with governments and sector partners so Family Day Care services can implement the changes sustainably. Our goal is simple: the best outcomes for children and families, delivered by a strong, well-supported home-based workforce.

How FDCQ will help

Across the coming weeks and months, FDCQ will be working hard to support services in making the necessary adjustments to meet the regulatory requirements, including:

Working together

FDCQ will continue partnering with government and fellow peak bodies to deliver consistent, practical support. If you’re a service or educator seeking guidance, please contact us or subscribe* to receive updates and tools as they are released.

 

*Subscribe to our PLACE platform for free, or enjoy the full benefits from as low as $9 a month: https://www.place.org.au

CRIS Digital Device Management

PEAK FDC bodies aligned regarding Digital Device Management public consultation submission.

With the Hon. Jason Clare MP due to release a statement later today regarding Child Safety Review and the Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (CSRIS), May 2025, outcomes, it’s timely to highlight the importance of today’s Ministerial safeguarding meeting with particular respect to the united front PEAK FDC bodies held in June 2025 during the public consultation period. Three key sector PEAK bodies, Family Day Care Australia, Family Day Care Australia NSW and Family Day Care Queensland shared a common consensus that any changes to Digital Device Management was “it is imperative… [they] respond to the unique FDC setting and context of service delivery” (National Child Safety Review (2025) FDCQ p4).

Snippets of text that have been highlighted

CAPTION: The original positions that three organisations took in their June 2025 submissions to the National Child Safety Review (CRIS).

Blanket changes to the management of digital devices without considerations for FDC nuances could result in an array of significant consequential impacts on the home-based care sector. At a glance, this is how the sector’s leading PEAK bodies positioned themselves for their members and the sustainable interests of home-based care in June.

Organisation Position on digital devices (for FDC)
FDCQ Support Option 1 (status quo) for FDC, unless a tailored hybrid of Options 2 & 3 can be applied specifically to home-based care
“FDCQ supports Option 1—maintaining the status quo for FDC services—unless a hybrid approach combining Options 2 and 3 can be applied across the home-based care sector.”
NSWFDCA Support Option 1. Say Options 2 or 3 would severely impact the FDC sector
“The NSWFDCA supports Option 1. The implementation of regulatory Options 2 or 3 would have a severe negative impact on the FDC sector.”
FDCA Support Option 1 (policy-led approach); oppose Options 2 & 3 as unsuitable for FDC
“Policy-led, adaptable and proportionate to risk… Options 2 and 3 do not meet these standards in a family day care context.”

Key arguments supporting each submission

FDCQ

FDCANSW

FDCA

Read the full submissions

FAQ

  1. What is “Option 1 (status quo)”?
    Keep the current approach (as at June 2025) but require clear service policies for digital devices (Reg 168) — covering capture, storage, deletion, and children’s privacy.
  2. Why not Options 2 or 3 for FDC?
    They can be costly and impractical in home-based settings and may not improve safety compared to strong, enforceable policies.
  3. Does this apply to centres?
    This page summarises FDC positions. Centre-based contexts differ and may support different options.

About this page

This article summarises submissions lodged in June 2025 to the Child Safety Review CRIS. It records the positions held at that time.

When housing crisis meets child care crisis

The hidden barriers facing family day care

Queensland's housing crisis isn't just pricing families out of homes. It's quietly dismantling the very childcare services those same communities depend on. For Family Day Care educators across the state who don’t own their own homes, finding a rental property has become an impossible balancing act between meeting strict regulatory requirements and navigating a rental market that increasingly views their profession as a liability. 

Recent conversations with Family Day Care Queensland's advisory group have revealed a troubling pattern: long-term educators are being forced out of their communities, prospective educators can't find properties despite being ideal tenants, and entire areas are losing access to flexible, home-based childcare as a result. 

The perfect storm of housing pressure 

The statistics paint a stark picture. With less than one per cent of Queensland rentals now affordable to minimum wage workers, and Brisbane rents jumping by over 30 per cent since 2020, the rental market has become fiercely competitive. In this environment, landlords and property managers are increasingly choosing what they perceive as "easy" tenants over those who come with additional considerations, regardless of whether those considerations are legitimate, regulated businesses providing essential community services. 

Family Day Care educators find themselves caught in this squeeze. Despite offering stable, long-term tenancies and maintaining properties to exceptionally high standards due to regulatory requirements, they're being overlooked in favour of tenants without the perceived "complications" of running a home-based child care service. 

The irony is striking: communities desperate for affordable, flexible early childhood education and care are inadvertently pushing out the very educators who could provide it, simply because those educators can't secure appropriate housing in the area. 

When misunderstanding becomes discrimination 

At the heart of the problem lies a fundamental misunderstanding of what Family Day Care actually involves. Too many property agents and landlords hear "day care" and immediately envision the bustling environment of a long day care centre, thriving with dozens of children arriving simultaneously, constant motor vehicle traffic, unruly noise and significant wear and tear on the property. 

The reality couldn't be more different. Family Day Care typically involves just three to four families with staggered drop-off and pick-up times throughout the day. These are small-scale, carefully regulated operations where the educator's own family also lives, ensuring properties are maintained as homes first and educational spaces second. 

When landlords automatically refuse to consider Family Day Care educators or demand higher rent simply because a regulated child care service operates from the property, they may be veering into discriminatory territory. The Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act is clear that accommodation decisions should be based on a tenant's ability to pay rent and maintain the premises, not on unfounded assumptions about their profession. 

Property managers who act as gatekeepers, filtering out Family Day Care applications before they even reach landlords, need to carefully consider whether their practices align with anti-discrimination principles and their professional obligations. 

The regulatory maze that protects everyone 

Perhaps the most frustrating aspect for Family Day Care educators is that their industry is already heavily regulated in ways that should reassure landlords, not concern them. Every Family Day Care home undergoes regular safety inspections, educators carry substantial public liability insurance, and families have extremely high expectations for premises hygiene and the physical environment where they leave their children. 

These regulatory requirements mean Family Day Care educators are actually motivated to maintain properties to a higher standard than typical residential tenants. Properties must be kept immaculately, safety features properly maintained inside and out, including high maintenance standards of gardens, lawns, rubbish and fencing, to ensure facility standards are consistently adhered to. Any damage must be addressed immediately as a requirement to operate. The constant presence of someone at home also provides security benefits that landlords should value. 

Yet the insurance question continues to cloud negotiations. Claims that landlord insurance premiums automatically increase when a business operates from a property need proper scrutiny. Is this based on actual policy requirements, or is it an assumption that's become accepted wisdom in the property industry? 

The current practice of some landlords charging additional rent for Family Day Care operations also raises questions about what constitutes fair and lawful tenancy practices. If an educator maintains the property to required standards and doesn't cause additional wear beyond normal residential use, what justifies the premium? 

Breaking the cycle 

The path forward requires education, collaboration, and a willingness from the property industry to look beyond outdated assumptions. Family Day Care educators represent stable, professional tenants who contribute essential services to their communities. Property agents and landlords who understand this are accessing a pool of quality tenants that others are overlooking. 

For Family Day Care Queensland, the challenge is clear: how do you change perceptions across an entire industry while your members struggle to find homes for their families and their businesses? FDCQ are collaborating with member services, exploring targeted education campaigns, working with industry bodies, and connecting with property professionals who already understand the value Family Day Care educators bring. 

But systemic change requires more than one peak body's efforts. It needs property industry recognition that Family Day Care is a legitimate, valuable, and highly regulated profession that deserves consideration on its merits, not rejection based on misconceptions. 

A community issue, not just a housing issue 

Ultimately, this isn't just about housing availability, but about community access to essential services. When Family Day Care educators can't find suitable rentals, families lose access to flexible, affordable child care options. Rural and regional communities, already struggling with service shortages, are hit particularly hard. 

The housing crisis is real, and competition for rentals will likely remain intense. But in this environment, it's more important than ever that selection criteria are based on facts, not assumptions. Family Day Care educators shouldn't have to choose between their profession and having a roof over their heads. 

Queensland's families deserve both adequate housing and access to quality child care. Right now, the intersection of housing pressure and industry misunderstanding is threatening both. It's time for a conversation that recognises Family Day Care educators as the professional, committed tenants they are and not the liability some assume them to be. 

Family Day Care Queensland represents over 95 home-based early childhood education and care Service Providers who, in turn, manage approximately 4,000 educators across Queensland, providing flexible, home-based early childhood education and care to thousands of families. 

A timely call for valued investment in our sector's foundation

Recent international research reinforces what we've long known in Queensland: Family Day Care educators are the unsung heroes of our early childhood education and care system. A compelling American opinion piece by Jessica Sager (Zero2Eight, 10 June, https://www.the74million.org/zero2eight/want-a-sustainable-child-care-system-invest-in-family-child-care-educators/) highlights the resilience and dedication of home-based child care providers, mirroring our own experiences here in Queensland, whilst two significant Australian developments present both opportunities and challenges for our sector.

The universal truth: FDC educators excel under pressure

The Ms Sager piece highlights how family child care providers across the United States demonstrated remarkable adaptability during the pandemic, keeping their doors open when larger centres closed, implementing rigorous health protocols in small spaces, and creating innovative learning environments. This resilience isn't unique to America—Australia, and particularly Queensland's FDC educators have consistently shown the same dedication, flexibility, and innovation that makes our sector irreplaceable, in a geographically vast, dispersed and diverse landscape.

What sets Family Day Care apart globally is our ability to provide bespoke, culturally responsive care. Unlike centre-based services, FDC educators can adapt their programs to individual children's needs, family circumstances, and community contexts in ways that larger services simply cannot match.

Recognition at last

Two significant developments in Australia present a watershed moment for recognising the true value of our workforce.

Fair Work Commission's Gender-Based Undervaluation Review

The Fair Work Commission's recent decision acknowledges that classifications in the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award have been subject to gender-based undervaluation. This historic finding validates what we've advocated for years: care work, predominantly performed by women, has been systematically undervalued.

The Commission proposes a single, simplified classification structure based on the 'Caring Skills' benchmark rate for Certificate III-qualified employees. For Queensland's FDC sector, this represents potential significant wage improvements and, crucially, formal recognition of the professional skills our educators bring to their roles.

Child Safety Review

The Australian Government's National Child Safety Review presents both challenges and opportunities for Family Day Care. The review proposes mandatory child safety training, enhanced Working with Children Check requirements, and specific provisions addressing Family Day Care physical environment assessments.

Whilst some may view these as additional compliance burdens, they actually represent an opportunity to demonstrate FDC's commitment to excellence. The review acknowledges FDC's unique operating environment, with specific provisions for digital device management and residence assessments that recognise our home-based nature.

Why Family Day Care must be treated differently

The beauty of Family Day Care lies in its inherent flexibility and personalised approach. Home-based providers can offer flexible, culturally responsive care, particularly in neighbourhoods where options are limited, and especially for families working nontraditional hours. This isn't just about convenience—it's about accessibility and inclusion.

Unlike long day care centres, FDC educators:

The path forward demands investment, not just regulation

Both the Fair Work Commission's decision and the Child Safety Review send a clear message: it's time to invest properly in our early childhood education and care workforce. However, this investment must recognise Family Day Care's unique contribution rather than treating us as a subset of centre-based care.

For Queensland's FDC sector, this means:

The bottom line

If we want a child care system that is truly responsive, equitable and sustainable, we need to invest in the people who are already doing the work, with unfailing dedication. Queensland's Family Day Care educators aren't just providing child care—they're building community wealth, supporting local economies, and creating the foundation for children's lifelong learning.

As both the Fair Work Commission and the Child Safety Review reshape our sector's landscape, we must ensure Family Day Care isn't just included in these conversations—we must be central to them. Our educators deserve recognition not as an afterthought to centre-based care, but as the skilled professionals they are: Queensland's hidden heroes who deserve nothing less than our sector's full support.

The time for valuing Family Day Care's unique contribution isn't tomorrow—it's today.

FDCQ submits comprehensive response to National Child Safety Review

Family Day Care Queensland advocates for sector-specific solutions in landmark regulatory consultation

Family Day Care Queensland (FDCQ) has successfully submitted a comprehensive 13-page response to the National Child Safety Review Consultation Regulation Impact Statement, representing the collective voice of Queensland's Family Day Care sector in this critical national policy process.

The submission, developed through extensive consultation with Queensland FDC service providers, coordinators, staff, and educators, addresses six key reform areas that could significantly impact home-based early childhood education and care operations from 2025 onwards.

Sector-led advocacy for practical solutions

FDCQ's response emphasises the unique context of Family Day Care services and advocates for regulatory approaches that enhance child safety while acknowledging the operational realities of home-based education and care delivery.

"Our submission reflects the professional expertise and real-world experience of Queensland's Family Day Care community," said Stella Conroy, FDCQ CEO. "Through extensive consultation, we've been able to present evidence-based arguments for sensible regulation that strengthens child safety without compromising the sustainability of Family Day Care services."

Key FDCQ advocacy positions

1. Digital device management

FDCQ supports either no change to current legislation or a change that recognises personal device use in conjunction with robust risk-management policies. This position recognises that FDC educators often operate as small businesses requiring personal devices for emergency communication, family contact, and business operations.

2. Mandatory Child Safety training

The organisation strongly supports nationally consistent mandatory child safety training with government funding provisions, ensuring accessibility for rural and remote educators while maintaining training relevance to home-based care contexts.

3. Educator conduct regulations

FDCQ advocates for expanded inappropriate conduct provisions with clear safeguards protecting educators from false accusations—particularly important given the isolated working environment of Family Day Care.

4. Working With Children Checks

Supporting national consistency in WWCC requirements, FDCQ advocates for approved checks before commencing roles and mandatory notification of status changes across all jurisdictions.

5. Physical environment safety

The organisation supports a balanced approach that removes long-term service waivers while retaining emergency temporary waivers, acknowledging the diverse settings where Family Day Care operates, particularly in rural and remote communities.

6. Property access provisions

FDCQ supports expanded authorised officer access in specific circumstances, coupled with clear guidance protecting educator privacy and defining appropriate boundaries for inspections.

National sector alignment strengthens advocacy

FDCQ's submission aligns closely with the national response from Family Day Care Australia, demonstrating unified sector advocacy across state and territory boundaries. This coordination significantly strengthens the collective voice of Family Day Care in national policy discussions.

Key areas of alignment include recognition that FDC requires tailored regulatory approaches, support for practical implementation acknowledging home-based care realities, advocacy for appropriate government support for new requirements, and emphasis on risk management over rigid restrictions.

Implementation timeline and next steps

The consultation period concluded on June 11, 2025, with government analysis expected to continue through August 2025. The Decision Regulation Impact Statement, containing final policy decisions and implementation timelines, is anticipated for release in September 2025.

FDCQ will continue monitoring the policy development process and providing members with regular updates as implementation approaches. The organisation remains committed to supporting services through any regulatory transitions while advocating for practical, sustainable approaches to enhanced child safety.

Supporting Family Day Care excellence

As Queensland's peak representative body for Family Day Care and In Home Care services, FDCQ has advocated for the sector for over 40 years. The organisation's mission to lead, promote, and grow exceptional home-based quality education and care services guides its approach to policy advocacy and member support.

"This submission demonstrates our sector's commitment to both child safety and professional excellence," added Conroy. "Family Day Care educators and service providers consistently show their dedication to providing safe, high-quality education and care in home-based environments, and our advocacy ensures their expertise informs national policy decisions."

 

Resources and Further Information

Access FDCQ's full submission: Download PDF
Review the national FDCA submission: Read FDCA submission
Original consultation materials: CSR consultation website

FDCQ appoints new CEO with deep family day care roots

Family Day Care Queensland (FDCQ) is pleased to announce the appointment of Stella Conroy as Chief Executive Officer, effective Monday, 9 June 2025. 

Family Day Care Queensland welcomes Stella Conroy as Chief Executive Officer 

Ms Conroy brings a unique combination of grassroots family day care experience, national policy expertise, and proven executive leadership to the role, making her ideally suited to guide FDCQ's continued growth and support for Queensland's family day care community. 

A personal connection to family day care 

Stella's journey with the family day care sector began as a parent, with her two eldest children attending Family Day Care Campbelltown in NSW. This personal experience sparked a career-long commitment that has seen her work across multiple aspects of the sector. 

"I am absolutely delighted to be joining the team at FDCQ," said Ms Conroy. "I have a long history with the Family Day Care sector, starting with my own children in care many years ago." 

Her hands-on experience includes working as a coordinator with Family Day Care schemes across Australia. Stella also worked right here at FDCQ in a Commonwealth-funded program supporting families with early childhood education and care access. During her time at FDCQ, she also acted as Executive Officer for various periods.

National leadership and policy expertise 

In recent years, Ms Conroy has been working at the national level in Canberra on policy and service delivery focused on improving wellbeing and safety outcomes for children, young people and their families across the social services sector. 

Her extensive leadership experience includes serving as Deputy CEO of Families Australia, where she frequently acted as CEO for up to 3 months annually over a 4-year period. During her tenure, she was responsible for coordinating the National Coalition for Child Safety and Wellbeing and contributed to the development of the National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children. 

Most recently, she managed the Research, Evaluation and Policy Team at Relationships Australia Canberra & Region, overseeing diverse projects and facilitating partnerships with academic institutions. She also led the organisation's triennial Quality Assurance Review across ACT and southern NSW regions. 

Currently serving as Chair of Canberra PCYC Ltd, Ms Conroy has successfully guided the organisation through significant growth, including a transition to Company Limited by Guarantee and establishing a $20 million joint venture partnership with an ACT community housing provider. 

Educational background and professional recognition 

Ms Conroy holds a Master of Human Services from Australian Catholic University and has contributed to academic publications in child protection and suicide prevention research. Her work has been recognised internationally, with opportunities to present at conferences across Australia, Europe, and North America. 

Looking forward 

Ms Conroy's vision for FDCQ reflects her commitment to excellence and advocacy. She says, “My vision for FDCQ is that children, their families and carers, and educators are thriving and experiencing the highest quality in home-based early education and care. I am committed to advocating for the vital role of the home-based child care sector, ensuring it is valued, supported, and recognised as an essential pillar of the broader early education landscape." 

FDCQ Board Chair Dr. Fiona Margetts said the appointment reflected the organisation's commitment to visionary leadership that understands the sector from the ground up. 

"Stella's journey from family day care parent to national policy leader, combined with her proven track record in executive roles, makes her the ideal person to lead FDCQ into the future," she said. 

"Her deep understanding of both the practical challenges facing family day care educators and the policy environment in which we operate will be invaluable as we continue to advocate for and support Queensland's family day care community." 

On behalf of the Board, Dr. Margetts acknowledged and extended sincere thanks to Deb Tuckey, who served as Acting CEO, and members of the Senior Leadership Team, for their outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment, and invaluable contributions to the family day care sector. "While we have recruited for a new CEO, their dedication and service have continued to strengthen and elevate the work we are doing to ensure that home-based care remains a respected and vital part of the early childhood sector." 

Ms Conroy's appointment comes at an exciting time for FDCQ as the organisation continues to strengthen its support for family day care educators across Queensland and advocate for the important role they play in providing flexible, home-based early childhood education and care. 


Child Safety Review national public consultation and FDC implications

FDCQ is urging all Family Day Care services and educators to have their voices heard in the national Child Safety Review consultation currently underway. This important review proposes significant changes to the National Law and Regulations that could have particular implications for the Family Day Care sector.

About the Review

The Australian Government, in partnership with state and territory governments, has engaged Deloitte Access Economics to undertake a Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) on proposed changes aimed at improving child safety arrangements in education and care services across Australia. These proposed policy options address recommendations from the Review of Child Safety Arrangements under the National Quality Framework.

Public consultation period

The consultation period is open now and closes on 11 June 2025. This is a critical opportunity for Family Day Care services and educators to provide feedback that will directly inform decisions about regulatory changes that may affect your day-to-day operations.

Key topics under review

The review focuses on 6 key areas, several of which have specific implications for Family Day Care.

1. Management of digital devices

Proposals include restricting the use of personal devices for taking images or videos of children, potentially requiring only service-issued devices to be used. This has particular implications for Family Day Care educators who often use personal devices for both business operations and documentation of children's learning.

2. Child Safety Training

Proposed changes aim to strengthen child protection provisions and introduce nationally consistent mandatory child safety training for all educators and staff.

3. Responding to Educator conduct

Includes making inappropriate conduct an offence, enhancing information sharing about prohibition notices, and expanding regulatory responses to educator conduct.

4. Working with children checks

Proposals seek to provide more nationally consistent approaches to WWCC requirements, including requiring valid checks before commencing roles and reporting changes in status.

5. Physical service environment safety

This includes proposals that would significantly impact Family Day Care services, such as:

6. Additional recommendations

Includes changes to how Regulatory Authorities identify and monitor related providers, extending limitation periods for proceedings, and improving information sharing with recruitment agencies.

FDCQ's response

FDCQ has formed a working party to review the proposals and prepare a comprehensive submission. However, to ensure our response truly represents the views of our members, we need your input.

Don’t delay, have your say

Your professional expertise and firsthand experience are invaluable to this process. We encourage all Family Day Care services and educators to:

  1. Visit the official consultation website: https://content.deloitte.com.au/ChildSafetyReview
  2. Review the 6 key topic areas and consider how proposed changes might affect your service
  3. Share your thoughts with FDCQ through our anonymous feedback form so your perspectives can be incorporated into our submission
  4. Complete the relevant survey on the CSR website:
    • Education and Care workforce survey (for educators)
    • Approved Providers, PMCs or nominated supervisors survey

Your feedback will help us develop a submission that accurately represents the Family Day Care sector and advocates for sensible regulation that enhances child safety while acknowledging the unique characteristics of Family Day Care environments.

Deadline reminder

FDCQ’s feedback form will close Friday, 30 May, to allow our Working Group enough time to collate all your feedback and ensure it is incorporated in our final submission.

All responses must be submitted by 11 June 2025. Don't miss this important opportunity to shape regulations that will affect your service.

For questions about the review or FDCQ's response, please contact mailto:enquires@fdcq.au.

Connections that count

FDCQ networking event brings Queensland FDC services together

In a vibrant display of sector solidarity, Family Day Care Queensland's face-to-face networking event brought together representatives from 11 FDC services across the state this week, reaffirming the vital importance of in-person connection in our increasingly digital world.

 

The event, held on Tuesday at our Brisbane headquarters, created a warm and collaborative space where providers could share challenges, celebrate successes, and foster the relationships that strengthen our sector.

Celebrating milestones

The gathering doubled as a celebration for Kath Dickson FDC's remarkable achievement of 50 years in the sector. Attendees were treated to a moving video presentation showcasing half a century of quality care and education, with powerful testimonials from families and educators alike.

 

"This video painted a wonderful picture of a supportive and encouraging provider, applauded by both educators and parents," noted Deb Tuckey, FDCQ's Acting CEO. "It was a powerful demonstration of the possible success all well-run, passionate, and quality-driven services can achieve."

A photograph of 5 women standing in a line. The centre two women hold a bunch of flowers and a certificate respectively.
Kath Dickson FDC service staff celebrating 50 years of service,    with FDCQ's Acting CEO, Deb Tuckey.

Meaningful discussions

The event facilitated honest conversations about the challenges facing Family Day Care in the current environment, with Deb emphasising that while "we are competitors in the market, we must hold each other up if we want to ensure sustainability."

 

Services shared innovative approaches to mentor programs, compliance management, and professional development that are making a difference in their operations.

Cultural connection

A highlight of the day was sharing the stories featured in FDCQ's recently commissioned artwork by local First Nations Artist Nathaniel Chapman. The striking piece visually represents our organisation's values and the profound impact Family Day Care has on communities throughout Queensland.

 

Yolande Pritchard, FDCQ's Office Manager, explained that the artwork emerged from the organisation's commitment to expanding their Reconciliation Action Plan and growing their story. The piece features symbols that represent the safety of women and children, the teaching and learning process, and the nurturing environments that are central to quality Family Day Care.

Looking forward

With National Family Day Care Week approaching (5 to 11 May), the event provided timely inspiration and connection. Participants overwhelmingly expressed interest in more face-to-face networking opportunities, to efficiently discuss selected sector topics of interest.

 

As FDCQ continues to support and advocate for the Family Day Care sector, events like this demonstrate that our greatest strength lies in our connections with each other. By sharing knowledge, celebrating successes, and addressing challenges together, we build a stronger foundation for the future of Family Day Care in Queensland.

 

For more information about upcoming networking events or to access resources discussed at the meeting, FDCQ members can visit the PLACE online community.