Iris Education Qld

We connect the dots so children are seen, supported and surrounded by people who care.

When the right people connect, children thrive.

One year ago, a last-minute opportunity led to a truly meaningful journey.

After coordinating tickets at the eleventh hour, I was fortunate to attend the National Early Years Policy Summit. Prior to the summit, I had been seeing advertisements for the documentary SEEN The Film and had already made enquiries about bringing a screening to Mackay. Little did I know that at the summit I would not only have the chance to watch a special screening of the film, but also meet its producer, Sam Jockel.

Hearing Sam speak so passionately about supporting parents to acknowledge, understand and grow through their parenting journey was incredibly inspiring. Her message stayed with me long after the summit ended and motivated me to bring the conversation home to our community.

As a result, Iris Education Qld was proud to coordinate three screenings of Seen the Film in Mackay, with CQUniversity Australia, Ooralea providing the perfect venue. One of the screenings was provided free with thanks to CPPAQ and Child Protection Week grant. Together, these screenings had more than 200 community members, educators, practitioners and parents view the film.

Seen the Film, takes you on a powerful journey of reflection and understanding. It gently reminds us that we only know what we know and encourages us to explore how our own experiences shape the way we parent and connect with children. For me personally, it deepened my awareness of the impacts of intergenerational trauma and the importance of understanding the stories that sit behind behaviours.

A year on from that first viewing at the National Early Years Policy Summit, I continue to reflect on the film's message and the important conversations it sparked within our region. I hope that many more people have since accessed Seen the Film through streaming platforms and have found the same opportunity for reflection and growth.

I've attached the trailer as a reminder of where and how you can begin this important conversation about why we parent the way we do and how greater understanding can help children thrive.

At Iris Education, we are passionate about connecting the dots so children can thrive, and this film is a valuable resource for anyone working with or caring for children. I would encourage every educator, social worker, health professional, parent, caregiver and community member to take the time to watch it.

Sometimes one last-minute decision can create a ripple effect that reaches hundreds of people.

Give 👍 in comments if you would be interested in attending a screening in Mackay?

SEEN The Film Trailer Seen is a groundbreaking documentary that explores the transformati...

We work alongside leaders, teams and community to co-create meaningful and lasting change. By listening, contributing and building on your team's existing strengths, we support shared ownership and sustained improvement. Every program is co-created, every relationship is long-term. Genuine improvement only happens when people feel equipped and supported, not managed or inspected.
We don't have all of the answers! We support you to develop and strengthen your team.

Connection doesn’t always happen by accident.

It's Loneliness Awareness Week (3 - 9 August) and a good reminder that connection doesn't always happen by accident. It grows in the spaces we provide for each other.

There are things you can do to help your child feel less lonely. Start by asking them why?
Let them know that it's ok to feel lonely and that you're there to help them connect with others.

You and your child can help others too! A smiling face ☺️ an invitation to join 👋or just widen the circle 🤝

Download the Raising Healthy Minds app 🧠😊 and help identify signs of loneliness and what you can do to help. Find out more: raisingchildren.net.au/rhm

Today, started with a great coffee and conversation. The bi-monthly, EmpowerHer Collective (Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays) catch up at Ocean International Hotel is always inspiring.

Bringing together local business leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals, events like these create opportunities for meaningful conversations, shared experiences and collective growth. When women support women, communities thrive.

A highlight was Judy Porter from Shiift Leadership Expertise, sharing valuable insights into how body language influences the way others perceive us. Judy explored the subtle differences between presenting an authoritative presence and creating an approachable connection, offering practical strategies.

At Iris Education Queensland, we believe in the power of learning, collaboration and creating pathways for people to achieve their goals. It was inspiring to again be in a space filled with individuals committed to making a positive impact across our region.

Thank you to EmpowerHer Collective for fostering a space where connection, leadership and empowerment flourish.

Together, we learn. Together, we lead. Together, we grow.

In regional Queensland, no single service holds the full picture of a child’s life and no single service should have to. Children move between early learning, health, education and community services every day. Each holds part of the story, yet too often those parts remain disconnected. A child can be known by many and fully supported by none.
We believe that when adults are supported, children thrive. Educational neuroscience confirms that positive, responsive relationships with trusted adults shape the developing brain, strengthening the foundations for learning, resilience and lifelong wellbeing. By empowering the people who shape children's lives, we create brighter opportunities for every child.

We work alongside early childhood education services and community organisations to build capability from within, through tailored, strength-based professional learning. Our approach aligns with the National Quality Framework while staying practical, flexible and responsive to each team’s context.

Different experiences.
Different perspectives.
One shared purpose!