Queensland communities are coming together for a major milestone, with Under Eights Week marking 70 years of supporting, empowering, and celebrating young children across the state.
Unique to Queensland, and led by Early Childhood Australia – Queensland (ECA QLD), the annual event has grown from humble beginnings into a statewide celebration highlighting the importance of the early years of a child’s life.
Angela Moynihan, ECA QLD committee member and Under Eights Week lead, said the milestone was both a celebration and a call to action.
“This jubilee year is a great time to highlight and reflect on how approaches to early childhood have evolved,” she said. “A seventy-year milestone is a powerful moment as it shows both longevity and impact in bringing children’s rights and perspectives into focus in ways they often can’t do on their own.”
Originating in 1956 as Under 5s Week, the initiative began with a simple ‘Basket Picnic’ in Brisbane’s City Botanic Gardens and has since expanded to include children in the lower primary years.
Why Under Eights Week Still Matters After 70 Years
While most of the week’s special events centre on children’s interests, strengths and ideas, Angela said the festivities also help adults better understand children’s perspectives and the importance of play.
“Many of the events celebrate the cultures and communities of our children,” she said. “This highlights that children under eight are capable, important members of society whose wellbeing, development, and education should be a priority for everyone.”
Angela added that building a sense of belonging is central to the week’s success, reinforcing that raising children is a shared responsibility.
“Being part of a community celebration helps children and families feel included and valued,” she said. “Local organisations, services, and groups often participate, giving families access to resources they might not otherwise find. This also helps children begin to recognise that they are part of a broader network of people and places.”
This year’s celebrations, held between 18 and 23 May, will be launched at a special Together in Early Childhood Education and Care event at Queensland University of Technology, featuring a visual history showcase, panel discussion and networking opportunities.
“Our intent is to bring colleagues together to think deeply about the past, present and future of early childhood education and care,” Angela said.
However, the real fun will begin when communities gather to celebrate generations of learning, creativity and play – reinforcing that young children are valued members of society, deserving of connection, recognition and the freedom to learn through play.
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