From Suzie
Dear Families,
Welcome to the 2025 Winter Education and Care Newsletter.
Since the last newsletter, it has been an exciting time at Lady Gowrie Tasmania (LGT) with the ongoing implementation of our new play-based learning planning model in our services and the foundation work undertaken to implement XAP-our new, streamlined education and care management software package.
I take this opportunity to thank our families for their patience and understanding during this time. I would also like to thank our professional and dedicated teams who have worked tirelessly to provide a seamless transition for families and children during the transition phases for these new initiatives.
New National Child Safety Guidelines
At LGT we have a ‘Children First’ philosophy, supporting the rights of all children to grow, learn and play in a safe place. We have zero tolerance towards abuse, neglect or exploitation of children and therefore, we welcome the new Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) safety guidelines that have been released that emphasise child safety and wellbeing, particularly in relation to abuse and neglect and the use of vaping substances.
These new safety guidelines were developed in response to recommendations from the recent National Child Safety Review. From 1st September 2025, important additional regulatory changes to keep children safe will come into effect including policies and procedures about safe use of digital technologies and online environments and notifying within 24 hours to report incidents or allegations of physical or sexual abuse.
In conjunction with our mandatory state Child Safe Standards, these important new safety guidelines will be carefully implemented across LGT’s education and care services in line with the recently released NQF Child Safe Culture Guide and NQF Online Safety Guide. These useful guides will provide clear direction and support our teams to share, reflect on and improve their child safety practices.
For more information about the new national child safety guidelines please speak with your Service Manager or visit:
Fees and Worker Retention Scheme Update
Families recently received a letter outlining the upcoming fee increases for the new financial year and updates about the worker retention scheme. As part of the Federal Government’s Early Childhood Education and Care Worker Retention Scheme announced in late 2024, LGT agreed to passing on a 15% wage increase to our workforce over a two-year period. As LGT is participating in the worker retention scheme, our fee increases for the next two years are capped under the program to 4.4% in 2025 and 4.2% in 2026. Participating in the worker retention scheme not only provides meaningful financial recognition to our valued education and care teams, but it also provides an opportunity for families to benefit from a more stable workforce, stronger communication pathways and reassurance that our services are supported by a cohesive and capable team.
Celebrating Ros Cornish (AM)
Ros Cornish, former CEO at LGT, was recently appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for her significant service to early childhood education administration. Ros was recognised for her decades-long leadership and advocacy for the early childhood education and care sector, as well as improved wages for early childhood educators. Ros was and continues to be, a passionate advocate for access and equity in early learning. On behalf of the entire LGT community, I would like to congratulate Ros on this well-deserved recognition of all her hard work, advocacy and commitment to Tasmanian children, families, educators and the early childhood sector.
I hope you enjoy reading through this newsletter which includes an overview of our 2025 National Reconciliation Week celebrations across our services and programs; meaningful play and learning stories from our education and care services; winter play ideas for children and families; tips on managing children’s behaviour; winter wellness reminders and much more!
On behalf of our amazing team at LGT, I take this opportunity to thank all our families for working in partnership with us as we guide and support your children on their education and care journey.
Until next time,
Suzie Jones
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER