The Action Forum is being delivered by the RAPAD and the seven councils of Central West Queensland in partnership with The Future Care Project. It has been developed as a connected series with the first session set for Longreach on 18–19 May 2026 followed by Blackall on 3–4 August 2026.
Anyone with an interest in early childhood education and care (ECEC) in rural, regional and remote Australia is invited to take part with registrations open beyond the Central West.
RAPAD Senior Project Coordinator Rachael Webster said the forum was designed to move beyond discussion and focus on practical regional outcomes.
“Longreach will be about creating a foundation for shared experience, expertise and solutions. Allowing for time for reflection and initial actions, we then come together again in Blackall to continue to build and create clear paths of action,” Ms Webster said.
“Early childhood education and care is critical to the wellbeing of children, families and communities across Central West Queensland, and the challenges we face in rural, regional and remote areas need local voices and local solutions.”
“This forum is about bringing people together to share ideas, identify priorities and help drive action that supports stronger early childhood outcomes across our region.”
Ms Webster said RAPAD was encouraging broad participation from anyone connected to or interested in the sector, with registrations not limited to the Central West.
“We want to hear from educators, service providers, councils, families, community organisations, government representatives and anyone with an interest in this area,” she said.
“The stronger and more diverse the conversation, the better placed we will be to build practical, coordinated responses that support services, strengthen the workforce and improve access for children and families.”
RAPAD’s ECEC Alliance of Councils was established in March 2026 to support improved early learning and care outcomes across the region’s seven council areas, with a focus on access, workforce development, innovation and advocacy.
For more information and to register visit: https://ececactionforum.rapad.com.au