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.

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. 


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.