Big Hearted Education Presents
Dream, Lead, Play'26
The conference that had Family Day Care professionals talking all year is back, and this time, we're coming to Sydney.
Last year's Dream, Lead, Play blew us all away. The speakers were real. The conversations were raw. The energy in that room was something you had to feel to believe. And every single educator who attended said the same thing: "You need to be there."
So here we are. Year two. A new city. And we're making it even bigger.
Location & Dates: Sydney | September 11–13, 2026
Register Your Interest Now
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Mark Your Calendar. Three days. Different focuses. All unmissable.
Friday, 11th September Leaders Day
(For Coordinators, Approved Providers, Admin & Educational Leaders)
This is the day that had people flying in from around the country last year, and for good reason. Open to all Family Day Care professionals, educators, leaders, and providers, this is a full day of expert speakers, real talk, and the kind of connection that reminds you why you chose this work.
Saturday, 12th September Open Day
(All Leaders & Educators from Across Australia — Welcome)
A day built specifically for the people who hold services together the leaders, the coordinators, the ones navigating compliance, culture, and the daily juggle of keeping everything moving. Expect practical strategies, candid conversations, and the kind of professional development that actually sticks.
Sunday, 13th September Rainbow Bridge VIP Day
(Exclusive to Rainbow Bridge Educators)
A special day reserved exclusively for Rainbow Bridge educators.
More details to come.
The Speakers Are Coming...
Stay tuned.
You won't want to miss who's stepping onto the stage.
We're finalising an incredible lineup and we can't wait to introduce them to you. What we can tell you is this: they're the kind of speakers who leave you with pages of notes, a racing mind, and a fire in your belly.
Last year's speakers covered everything from child safety in a digital world to the power of saying no and the feedback was extraordinary. This year, we're raising the bar.
Don't Just Take Our Word For It
Here's what educators said after Dream, Lead, Play '25...
Heidi, FDC Educator
"Words can't convey how impactful it was — you had to be there!"
Natalie, Approved Provider
"It was amazing and the best conference I have been to. You need to be there!!"
Janeen, Coordinator
"100% so much better than FDCA."
Karen, FDC Educator
"Uplifting, relevant and energising."
Dalena, FDC Educator
"Wow! So many emotions, eye-opening and validating — truly worth it!"
WHY ATTEND?
Because face-to-face matters. In a world of webinars and online PD, there is something irreplaceable about being in a room full of people who get it — who understand your world, your challenges, and your passion for the children and families in your care.
Dream, Lead, Play was built for Family Day Care professionals, by someone who has lived it. Every session, every speaker, every moment is chosen with you in mind.
- Expert speakers with real-world experience — not just theory
- Content tailored specifically to Family Day Care - no generic ECE filler
- A space to connect with like-minded professionals from across Australia
- Practical tools and strategies you can use the moment you walk back in the door
- An energy in the room you simply cannot get from a screen
MEET YOUR HOST
Hey Friend,
I'm Victoria Edmond, your Dream, Lead, Play host and the founder of both Rainbow Bridge Family Day Care Service and Big Hearted Education.
I've spent over a decade in Early Childhood Education, and I started Rainbow Bridge in 2013 because I believe Family Day Care is one of the most powerful, undervalued forms of early learning in Australia. I know what it feels like to work hard, love what you do, and still feel overlooked.
That's why I created this conference. To build the kind of community, inspiration, and professional development that FDC educators and leaders deserve.
Dream, Lead, Play '25 was everything I hoped it would be and your feedback has pushed me to make '26 even better.
I cannot wait to see you in Sydney
With so much love,
Victoria x
Here's what educators said after Dream, Lead, Play '25...
Tamara, FDC Educator
"It was a day of connections and learning from some of the most inspirational and down-to-earth people. The energy in the room was powerful throughout the whole day."
Gail, FDC Educator
"I was just blown away — awe inspired by the love and passion towards Early Childhood. I feel seen, heard and so encouraged as an educator."
Dalena, FDC Educator
"I loved every second of it. It's truly changed me since."
Coming to Sydney
Dream, Lead, Play '26 is heading to Sydney in September and we are very close to locking in the venue. Stay tuned for the full reveal soon.
What we can promise: it will be a space worthy of the people filling it.
Register Your Interest & Be the First to Know
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is this conference for?
Do I have to attend all three days?
Is this only for people in Sydney?
Will sessions be recorded?
When will speaker and venue announcements be made?
I attended last year, should I come again?
Sydney, September 2026 — Will You Be There?
Spots will be limited. Registration opens soon, and last year they went fast.
Add your name to the list now and be the first to know when tickets go on sale, when speakers are announced, and when all the details drop.
Don't hear about this one secondhand.
Yes — Register My Interest Now