THE BIG IDEA ORATION 2025

• $95 to attend the event in person at Currumbin RSL.
• Attend for free via online Livestream or view the recording post-event

Presenter 1

Are Outdoor and Environmental Educators Ready for Environmentally Savvy Young Children? 

Presenter: Dr Sue Elliott 
Adjunct Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at the University of New England 

Since 2024, sustainability has been a new principle in the Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (EYLF) and educators are now actively building knowledge and skills with young children about sustainability. In addition, nature play programs have proliferated, many young children Australia-wide are connecting with their community parks, waterways and bushlands. This Big Idea presentation is a ‘heads up’ to Outdoor and Environmental Educators to be ready for these savvy young children who are knowledgeable and agentic with rights to have a say about their sustainable futures.

Presenter 2

Does Outdoor Environmental Education have a unique contribution to prepare people for life in a digital age?

Presenter: Dr Glyn Thomas 
BMHS (Ed) UQ, MAOE Griff, EdD Latrobe, Grad Cert Ornithology CSU, Grad Cert BusAdmin. UNE Senior Lecturer in Outdoor and Environmental Studies at the University of Sunshine Coast.