Michael Swinnerton - Childcare & Early Learning Leaders Summit

Castle & Cubby designs and manufactures Australian-made outdoor play spaces and learning environments for schools, early learning centers, and families across Australia.
We create modular, customisable environments that inspire imagination, belonging, and learning. Our offerings range from play-based learning villages, outdoor classrooms, and sensory gardens to backyard cubbies and community gathering spaces.

Using sustainable, locally-sourced materials and contemporary design, our products are built to last over 20 years and are designed to evolve as communities grow and change. We are proud to partner with primary schools, early learning centers, families, architects, businesses, and councils—all who value design-led aesthetics, quality craft, and longevity.
From concept to installation, we provide end-to-end design, manufacturing, and service nationally, all managed from our Melbourne workshop.

We simplify, optimise and transform your business.

Facilities management is about maintaining and improving the spaces where you conduct your business so that you can focus on what you do best.

For over 35 years, we’ve proven that different works – we have a completely unique model in the world of facilities management.

We don’t just work with you; we work alongside you. Our people become your people, your data drives our insights, and we find solutions together.

LJS Constructions brings specialised expertise in construction, combining our proven residential and commercial construction capabilities with deep understanding of the unique requirements these projects demand. Our established track record demonstrates our ability to deliver complex projects that meet strict regulatory standards.
Our comprehensive approach provides:
• Streamlined project delivery through our integrated construction processes and established supplier relationships
• Enhanced quality control with rigorous oversight and proven quality management systems
• Comprehensive risk management drawing on our extensive construction experience
• Dedicated resource allocation to ensure timely project completion within budget

LJS Constructions specialises in residential, commercial, childcare facilities and retail outlets, having successfully delivered complex commercial facilities throughout NSW. We understand the unique requirements of residential buildings, from meeting strict regulatory compliance and safety standards.
Our experience in commercial construction encompasses critical elements essential for this duplex project, including specialised building systems, safety compliance, and working within stringent regulatory frameworks to deliver projects that exceed expectations.

We’re not a generalist mortgage broker. We’re a specialist finance broker that serves clients across a diverse range of sectors.
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Whether you want to buy property, invest in property, develop property or grow your business – we get you.
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You probably know that lenders can treat borrowers very differently, depending on their financial profile and borrowing scenario. That can involve the loans they offer, the lending criteria they use and the interest rates they charge. That’s why you need to make sure you choose the right lender.
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Your choice of broker is just as important. An experienced, skilled finance broker, like 3LANE Finance, will be able to understand your finances, needs and goals in a way that most brokers can’t.
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We’ll know which lenders are keen to do business with someone with your profile and will be able to to present your application in a way that maximises your chances of success.
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That’s the advantage of working with a specialist finance broker.

Founded in 2007 with the mission to do risk differently, Bellrock is motivated by the desire to provide genuine partnership to our clients. Having grown to a team of 70 staff across five offices, Bellrock has developed a reputation nationally as a trusted advisor, going beyond traditional insurance intermediaries to develop 360-degree risk advisory and advocacy services with our clients’ long-term goals in mind.

With in-depth understanding and genuine thought leadership we empower businesses by illuminating the path ahead – helping them confidently and prudently navigate the challenges specific to their industry to achieve their vision.

At Achor Group, our mission is to deliver exceptional building and construction services that exceed expectations through quality, innovative solutions, and unwavering integrity. We are committed to fostering sustainable practices, ensuring safety, and building lasting relationships with the clients we serve.

We are a part of something much bigger. Our kids, our country, our future. Just like all Aussie children, students, and teachers, we’re on a journey. A meaningful journey. To make a real difference in the world of learning. Learning that creates progress and progress that brings about positive change. For over fifty years, life at Grocorp has been purposeful and driven. From generation to generation, building on the goal of delivering an unrivalled educational experience. Growing in character, growing in knowledge and growing in a thriving community of leaders and service people, is fundamental to how we started and why we exist.

Uniquely situated near the iconic Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Grocorp calls the historic mining town of Lithgow home. Our founding members live and work here, and so do many of the friendly voices you speak to on the phone. We are really proud to represent this regional community. Over the years, the interest to make our own products, has strongly driven our evolution into manufacturing. Contributing to the Australian economy has always been important to us. We know our Centres of Education, value this too.

We have a purpose-built space to constantly innovate and iterate, to achieve the very best. The very best in features, the very best in quality and the very best for the environment.

At ABC School Supplies we are here to partner with you to help you create inspiring, innovative and safe learning environments. Our aim is to have all the educational resources you require to support every child on their learning journey. We stock a range of over 4,000 educational resources and offer free consultation to assist you in choosing the right products for your needs and budget.

Our freight network is Australia-wide, so no matter where you are, we can deliver to you. We are committed to sourcing and developing products that create rich learning environments to support and encourage children to explore, imagine and create.

With a proud 28-year history, .id (informed decisions) is Australia’s leading provider of local area insights—trusted by private industry, state governments, and more than 350 local councils.

We help early childhood providers and investors understand how communities are changing, and what that means for future demand.

Our tools and tailored reports combine proprietary data on population forecasts, supply and demand, competition, and community needs—giving you a clear view of the past, present, and future of every place across the country.

Whether you’re deciding on whether to renew a lease, planning your next centre or expanding your network, we provide the insight you need to invest in the right place, at the right time—ensuring families have access to quality childcare as their communities change.

Who we are

We are a healthcare consulting firm that specialises in assisting businesses access new high-growth markets or grow within their markets.

How do we do this?

We do this through advisory, consulting, and execution services.

Mana is the world’s first AI-first child development platform designed to help early learning centres deliver meaningful, high-quality education, without the burden of admin. Mana streamlines your planning cycle by instantly turning observations into rich documentation. With personalised Teaching Intelligence and guidance from Coach Sue, your team receives real-time coaching that strengthens practice and boosts confidence. Mana adapts to your pedagogy, helping educators reflect critically, plan intentionally, and meet standards with ease.

Families stay connected through Magic Moments, real-time updates, and seamless communication. Parents gain deeper insight into their child’s progress, fostering strong home-centre relationships. Every family remains engaged and informed.

Mana empowers centres to elevate teaching quality, enhance compliance, and free up time for what truly matters, building quality connections with children. More than a tool, Mana is your trusted partner in early education.

Qikmaps is Australia’s leading self-service childcare market research tool, offering exclusive access to industry-specific online maps and data. Childcare developers, operators, and investors can obtain reliable data and market insights to guide their investment decisions with Qikmaps. Underpinned by Business Geographics’ 20 years of experience researching the Australian childcare market, Qikmaps is the most comprehensive source of data on existing childcare centres and new developments in Australia, and is trusted by the biggest names in the industry.

With its intuitive interface, Qikmaps enables you to quickly analyze existing childcare supply, proposed developments, and demand drivers anywhere in Australia. This leads to more confident decision-making as you conduct preliminary site assessments, monitor the competitive landscape, and identify opportunities for childcare developments or acquisitions.

Childcare Real Estate Weekly (CREW), is a go-to resource for developers, operators, investors, and industry professionals navigating the childcare property market in Australia. With deep expertise in market analysis, site selection, and investment strategy, CREW delivers sharp insights and actionable intelligence to help you make informed decisions. CREW provides exclusive research, catchment reports, and deal assessments to uncover opportunities and mitigate risks in this rapidly evolving sector – delivered via email every Friday, published by Jeff Gardner.

With over 35 years of expertise, Proludic is dedicated to creating play spaces that inspire imagination, movement, and learning for children of all abilities. Our award-winning play equipment is carefully designed to encourage adventure, creativity, and inclusive fun, while also supporting physical, social, and cognitive development. We partner with childcare centres, schools, and communities across Australia to craft sensory-rich environments where children can explore, grow, and thrive. Whether it’s an imaginative themed playground or interactive early childhood play solution, each design aims to spark curiosity and promote meaningful connections. At Proludic, sustainability is a core value. We build play spaces that are not only durable and long-lasting but also eco-friendly, using materials and designs that respect the environment. We believe every child deserves a safe and engaging place to play, learn, and dream, and we’re committed to making that vision a reality in communities across Australia.

Inspired Floorcoverings is a trusted name in the flooring industry, specialising in high quality

trends, vinyl planks and modular carpet, designed for durability, style and easy maintenance.
We take pride in offering flooring solutions that are perfect for childcare centres, where safety
hygiene and longevity are essential. Our product offering combines modern aesthetics with
practical benefits, providing a comfortable surface that withstands heavy foot traffic, while
being simple to clean.

At Inspired Floorcoverings we believe in old fashioned service, where customer satisfaction and
attention to detail comes first. Our team is passionate about helping clients find the perfect
flooring that not only looks fantastic but also stands the test of time. With a wide range of stylish
and hard-wearing options, we can ensure that every space is enhanced with quality and care.

Cyclo Group

Since 1988, Cyclo Group has set a new standard in commercial construction, completing a diverse range of projects across Australia. With over two generations of experience, we provide fully integrated services backed by a large, highly skilled in-house team, that manages every phase of your project – from initial concept design and permit approvals to construction completion, occupation certificate and final handover.

What distinguishes us is our innovative approach, commitment to sustainability, and deep industry knowledge. Our highly integrated process ensures that you, as our client, are fully informed of all costs and risks typically associated with construction, along with alternative methodologies that may be used.

Partnering with Cyclo Group ensures the seamless delivery of a high-quality project, completed on time and within budget. With over 30 years of continuous service, we have built an extensive portfolio of successfully completed Early Learning Centres across the country, including projects as large as 184-place centres. Our expertise guarantees a smooth, stress-free building experience, tailored to meet your specific needs.

ASCOT GROUP has developed an exceptional reputation in delivering high quality commercial projects. Our commercial division works with many repeat clients across varied industries. The investment in experienced personnel provides our clients with a high degree of confidence during each project. Our Project Managers, Site Supervisors, Estimators and Contract Administrators are experts of their fields and are highly focussed on exceeding client expectations. ASCOT GROUP employs its own trade workforce, including our own plumbing and electrical subsidiaries. Our induction processes are stringent, all staff must have all relevant industry certificates and are required to undergo a national police check.

1Place Childcare: Simplifying Compliance and Operations for ECE

1Place is a leading compliance and operations management platform designed for early learning providers managing multiple locations. Our centralised, real-time system empowers organisations to maintain regulatory compliance, ensure safety, and streamline daily operations across their network.

By digitising checklists, incident forms, and workflows, 1Place eliminates paper-based inefficiencies and delivers actionable insights to improve decision-making. Tailored to the unique needs of large early learning providers, our platform adapts to diverse regulation requirements, offering a solution that ensures consistency and accountability.

With robust training and support, 1Place simplifies implementation and drives adoption across teams, creating a seamless experience for Educators, Centre Directors and Area Managers. Trusted by industry leaders, 1Place is the ultimate partner for early learning providers seeking to enhance operational efficiency, reduce risks, and deliver superior care experiences.

GapMaps empowers business and government agencies to make fast, accurate and more informed decisions on locations based on the most up to date location intel available. We take the guess work out of location planning decisions. Passionate About Location Intelligence – We’ve built software from the ground up so organisations can make better/smarter decisions about physical location A Global Company – Our ambition is global – any organisation who needs to make a physical location decision based on people behaviour needs GapMaps Make Fast Intelligent Location Decisions – GapMaps makes it easy to access the most up to date location intel globally to make fast, accurate and more informed decisions on locations

Hitch Advisory is a full-service, national law firm with an unrivalled reputation for high performance. We are trusted advisors to leading Australian and International businesses, high net worth families, private offices, investors and founders. Our mission is to provide uncomplicated, expert advice.

Hitch Advisory are industry experts in the area of childcare legal compliance, drafting and negotiation of agreements for lease and leases of childcare sites, as well as the sale and acquisition of childcare businesses. Our transaction experience ranges from single centre sales to some of Australia’s largest portfolio disposals. We are one of few true specialists in the childcare space and have seen exceptionally strong M&A activity over recent years as the industry attempts to keep up with growing demand and sector consolidation.

With a collective experience of over 130 years in the early childhood industry our team of experts support centres throughout Australia to address and resolve almost any business problem they are facing. Astute Early Years Specialist solutions don’t come out of a box ready to plug and play. We pride ourselves on identifying your challenges quickly and designing strategies to address them, always keeping top of mind your business’s need for quality service delivery and loyal engaged team members.

The Astute team offers expertise in early childhood practice, pedagogy, operations, financial management, digital marketing, business improvement, HR, recruitment, stakeholder engagement, scale, and quality improvement and compliance. We not only manage but transform early learning services nationwide, leveraging our understanding of the landscape, market, and intricacies of childcare. Above all, we are fervently passionate about delivering the best early years experience to every child.

Ligo Finance

Ligo finance is a finance broker for commercial and residential loans.

Our services include commercial finance, home loans, asset finance, refinancing and SMSF loans. Ligo Finance has specialist experience in structuring complex commercial loans and focuses on the childcare and medical industry. We have supported childcare operators across Australia with their financing needs for the past ten years and continue to grow in this sector.

aarons outdoor

Aarons Outdoor has a huge range of backyard solutions – from home studios & sheds to cubby houses for the kids; from outdoor entertainment areas including Bali Huts and Thatches to additional space for work or storage with our Timber Workshops. We have a reputation for providing quality outdoor products that are quick and easy to construct, along with the best value for money.

Urban Landscape Projects

Urban Landscape Projects has been Designing and Constructing Educational Landscapes since 1990.

We are a multi award-winning, professional practice that can take your project from concept to completion, on time and on budget!

Our landscapes are thoughtfully designed, beautifully crafted and capture the needs of your community. They provide a unique

platform for discovery, socialising and challenge to nurture early learning and development while meeting your operational requirements, programming needs, site constraints and budget.

Our experienced team offers a streamlined, turnkey process that minimises disruptions to your centre. We make it easy!

www.ulp.com.au

Coverite Projects – Integrated Design & Construction

“Creating Inspiring Early Learning Environments”

At Coverite Projects, we build high-trust relationships and de-risk the investment and construction process for our clients.

We partner with childcare operators, developers, and investors, using our fully integrated Design & Construction model to ensure a seamless and secure project from site acquisition to turn-key construction.
Our approach minimises risks, accelerates timelines, and ensures regulatory compliance, all while fostering engaging early learning environments.

By streamlining communication and coordination, we deliver consistent quality and build high-trust relationships.
Partner with us to experience a truly de-risked and efficient project delivery that brings your vision to life.

Verkada

Verkada is a pioneer in cloud-based physical security solutions by enabling over 24,000 organizations in over 80 countries to protect their people and property in a way that respects individuals’ privacy. Designed with simplicity in mind, Verkada offers six product lines — video security cameras, door-based access control, environmental sensors, alarms, workplace, and intercoms — that provide unparalleled visibility through a single cloud-based software platform.

RockBuild Group

RockBuild Group, an Australian-based provider with offices in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, specialise in design and construction, major and minor renovations, project management, and facilities maintenance services for commercial and residential sectors. With extensive experience, they offer industry-leading solutions for construction projects, refurbishments, and maintenance needs. RockBuild excel in the childcare sector, working with many childcare providers across the country. Despite recent challenges, they maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders. RockBuild have also ventured into development, aiming to acquire sites and assist investors in creating sustainable, low-maintenance solutions for their product. Their commitment ensures high-quality, timely, and budget-friendly project completion.

OWNA

OWNA is Australia’s Favourite All-In-One Childcare Management System, encompassing all of the functions you need to run your education and care services.

By keeping everything in one place, OWNA helps childcare leaders improve efficiency, and multi-site providers can get transparency across all of their centres. OWNA’s best-in-class software is backed by our amazing support team, many of whom have a background in the sector.

We endeavour not only to provide the best service through our software, but to truly understand your organisation and partner with you on your journey to provide better quality education and care to your communities.

Douglas Partners

Douglas Partners provides integrated practical solutions for projects interacting with the Earth’s surface with expertise spanning environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, groundwater, rock mechanics, geophysics, and materials testing.

Leveraging 60 years of experience from over 130,000 projects, our skilled team offers innovative advice and tailored solutions across diverse industries, including approvals for childcare centres.

We offer comprehensive contaminated land management solutions, utilising advanced technologies and methodologies to assess, remediate, and manage environmental challenges effectively. Our team of environmental engineers, scientists, hydrogeologists, and auditors guide clients through complex regulatory landscapes ensuring compliance throughout the project lifecycle, effectively managing environmental risks and safeguarding both public health and ecosystems.

Aaron Group

Aarons Group (AG) is your comprehensive turnkey service provider for the childcare sector. Our expertise spans construction, renovations, playscapes and facilities maintenance, addressing the distinct operational requirements for every childcare facility. From conceptualisation to realisation, AG and its collaborators meticulously plan and execute the construction of new childcare centres, prioritising safety, functionality and creativity at every stage. We also excel in renovating and upgrading existing facilities. With our in-house AILA accredited Landscape Architect who’s specialty is Play, we are experts in playscape design and construction, producing outdoor play spaces that will enrich children’s learning and recreational environment.

With a dedicated Facilities Maintenance team overseeing both scheduled and reactive maintenance, we ensure the smooth and secure operation of childcare centres, promoting a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for both children and caregivers.

Z Staffing

At Z Staffing, we revolutionise casual staffing for childcare centres with our cutting-edge technology. Our proprietary app not only streamlines the recruitment and placement of qualified childcare professionals but also offers cost-efficient solutions, ensuring that your centre is equipped with top-tier educators even at short notice. We are committed to rigorous compliance standards, extensive educator onboarding, and continuous quality assurance, setting us apart in the market. Our vision is a world without staff shortages, enabling your centre to operate efficiently and effectively, without compromising on quality or affordability. Z Staffing – Casual staffing done better.

Wearthy

“Designed to ignite curiosity and connection, we partner with our clients to create sensory rich and inclusive outdoor landscapes. Our award-winning playscapes incorporate the Ecology of Play framework that not only inspire children to play, but also inspire educational practices. Led by TEDx speaker, innovator and educator Lukas Ritson, Wearthy’s work has reached hundreds of thousands of children worldwide. For over 10 years we have been proud advocates for play. Our goal is to see children thrive alongside their educators and caretakers, which is why every environment is handed over with enriching workshops and training.”

Learn more: wearthy.co

Finexia Financial group is a diversified financial services business with an acute focus on private credit and asset/funds management. Via our Childcare Income Fund, we provide fully secured loans to established, experienced Childcare operators to construct, and/or open and trade-up childcare centres. For Childcare businesses, it offers a single loan facility to fund the soft and hard costs of the business including fit-out, marketing, staff costs and loan interest for the full trade-up period. For Childcare centre construction, we also offer a typical construction finance facility.

Learn more: finexia.com.au

Point Architects

Point Architects is a leading Melbourne-based practice specialising in creating innovative, nurturing designs for childcare and early learning centres. With over 20 years of experience, we deliver practical, engaging, and visually appealing environments tailored to children’s developmental needs. Our expertise also extends to residential, commercial, and industrial projects, ensuring comprehensive architectural solutions. Our designs prioritise safety, sustainability, and community engagement. By collaborating closely with educators and clients, we support positive learning experiences in every project we undertake

Learn more: pointarchitects.com.au

Step 4

Step4 is an Australian, family owned and operated service provider to Early Learning Centres Australia wide.

At Step4, we specialise in bespoke learning environments through inspiration, innovation, and engagement. With a long history in furniture design and customisation, we have the knowledge and experience to deliver your vision through our Explore – Design – Deliver philosophy and process. This philosophy has helped bring to life over a thousand new centres across Australia over the past 20 years.

Explore – Step4 engages collaboratively with you and your team to explore what success looks like with the interior room design and furniture layout of your new centre project.

Design – Creativity and visualisation bring the project to life, turning curiosity into considered and practical design. Our in-house designers provide room layouts and 3D renders to enable you to visualise your centre.

Deliver – Let us take the stress out of managing multiple contractors and suppliers as we deliver, install, and oversee the setup of your learning spaces.

step4.com.au

Brooks Australia

Brooks Australia has been a leader in fire safety for over 50 years. With extensive experience and knowledge in developing and supplying reliable, high-quality products, ranging from smoke alarms to complex fire panels, we have become a trusted name in the industry. Our innovative solutions cater to residential and commercial applications, and we have proven experience working across all building classifications and standards. We specialise in providing tailored designs, which makes us the perfect choice for Child Care Centres, whose needs in fire protection can vary greatly. Brooks Australia is committed to fire safety and providing effective solutions that help protect properties and people.

Learn more: brooks.com.au

Starex

Our Australian Story

Starex have been designing and crafting premium quality furniture for the ECE market in New Zealand for the past 40 years. Our first adventure working with Australian clients came about in 2017, when we had the pleasure of working with a Melbourne based service on a full Centre fitout. From there, we have experienced consistent demand for our furniture from Centres all around Australia (including Perth, Queensland, NSW, ACT, Northern Territory & Tasmania) and have loved working with each and every one of them! Our Australian clients choose Starex because of our quality and for that something different.

Being based in New Zealand has meant we’ve only been able to offer container deliveries full of Starex furniture up to now for Australian clients, however, with the demand for our product, we knew we had to look at other options to ensure you, our valued Australian centres can easily purchase and have pieces of Starex furniture delivered for your Centre!

We now have distribution bases in Australia and we’re shipping furniture orders both big and small from there! It is a great privilege to have shipped containers full of furniture from right next door in New Zealand, to now being a part of your community and we are so excited for you to experience the quality of our furniture in your centre. Once you choose Starex, you won’t go back to the status quo! We LOVE what we do and look forward to working with you!

Learn more: starex.com.au

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