How can relational practice deliver an equitable early years system?
02/06/2026
Join us for a webinar exploring how strong relationships can support the health and wellbeing of children and families.
Date: Tuesday 14 July
Time: 12:30pm-1:30pm AEST
Cost: Free
Through a series of conversations between a policymaker, service leader, practitioner and family member, our webinar panellists will discuss how relational conditions shape trust, engagement and outcomes – and why a reform like Thriving Kids relies on these conditions to succeed.
This webinar will introduce the new Relational Ecosystem Model (REM) – a product of several years of work at the Centre. The model reframes relational practice as not only an individual skill but a system-wide foundation that connects families, practitioners, organisations and policies.
Our panellists will share their experience and provide practical entry points for using the REM as a framework to support alignment, learning and sustained change over time.
By attending this webinar you will:
- learn the fundamental principles of relational practice
- better understand the REM and its components
- gain practical strategies to apply the REM in practice.
Participants will also have an opportunity to engage in a Q&A with the panel.
Hosts
Lauren Heery
Lauren Heery is an experienced evaluator and facilitator with over 15 years supporting organisations, service systems and communities to use and generate evidence to improve outcomes for children and families. Her work is grounded in relational practice, building trusted partnerships with local leaders, practitioners and communities to enable shared learning and sustained change. Lauren designs and leads mixed methods evaluations, coaches leaders, and facilitates communities of practice that embed reflection, adaptation and improvement. She co-convenes The Connection for Early Years Hubs in partnership with The Smith Family, a leadership network for leaders of child and family hubs.
Paul Prichard
Paul Prichard is an Australian consultant, trainer, and researcher specialising in relational practice, partnership-based approaches, and family engagement across the human services sector. He is recognised for his work supporting practitioners nationwide to build trust, safety, and authentic collaboration with families and communities. Through Transform Practice, he partners with organisations to embed relational and reflective practices that strengthen and sustain engagement with families who experience barriers to accessing services.
Panel
M’Lynda Stubbs
M’Lynda has worked across both the health and education sectors during her 35‑year career, focusing on the health, wellbeing, community engagement and participation of children and families. She currently holds the position of Director of Early Years Partnerships with the Department for Education, Children and Young People in Tasmania. Committed to creating the conditions for lifelong learning and positive transitions to school, she believes that when parents connect, grow and learn together, children thrive and communities flourish. Her work fosters genuine partnerships across families, communities and sectors, strengthening networks that support safe, connected early childhood environments.
Fiona Watts
Fi is Centre Leader of the Break O’Day Child and Family Centre in Tasmania. She is a passionate advocate for equity, shared power, and amplifying the voice of the child. With over 30 years of experience across education and health, she brings a deep understanding of how learning and wellbeing are intrinsically connected. Grounded in relational practice, Fi believes lasting, sustainable change happens through connection — because that’s where the real magic lies in breaking cycles of poverty and trauma.
Morgan Moore
Morgan is the Community Inclusion Worker at the Break O’Day Child and Family Learning Centre. She has been in the role for the past two years and comes from a background in health promotion. She really values the relational side of the work – building trust, connecting with families, and meeting people where they’re at to support them in ways that feel meaningful and achievable. Through her work, Morgan focuses on fostering connection and supporting positive outcomes for children and their caregivers. In this webinar, Morgan shares insights from their experience on the ground, highlighting the impact of relationship-based practice in community settings.
Jamie Rawlinson
Jamie’s journey through 16 different schools in her childhood shaped her deep understanding of belonging and resilience. Today, as a proud parent of three First Nations children, she shows up to early learning every day with consistency, care, and heart. Known for her warmth and generosity, Jamie is a strong support for other families – always ready to listen, lend a hand, and help others feel connected. Her lived experience, humour, and commitment to community make her a powerful voice in conversations about family, culture, belonging and relational practice.
