A successful Murrindindi Children’s Network Annual Conference

ON Thursday, May 1 Murrindindi Children’s Network presented the 2025 Early Childhood Conference: Exploring Neurodevelopment at Holmesglen in Eildon.

Councillor Sue Carpenter emceed the event, with four guest speakers throughout the day.

There was outstanding attendance from early childhood educators, allied health workers, specialists, and anyone interested in the early childhood sector.

The conference focused on some important aspects of childhood development, this included navigating mental health, connection with infants and young children, safety and attachment, using play to develop the brain, and preparing young children for the digital world that we live in.

First speaker of the day was Robyn Papworth who was back by popular demand. Robyn is the founder of play move improve and is an exercise physiologist and developmental educator and also a strong advocate for early intervention and neurodiversity.

Robyn spoke of how children are struggling with movement as they are addicted to screens, Robyn said “Anyone under two should have zero screen time, not televisions but devices in hands.”

Its not just movement that screens are affecting, since the introduction of screens children have 1000 less words in their vocabulary.

Screen time reduces language, fewer back and forth interactions, limited sensory inputs and decreased eye contact. With screen time children are only getting auditory and visual…