One of the key challenges facing early childhood professionals in our region is the necessity to share our understanding of the importance of the work we do. When politicians understand that ensuring all young children have the best possible start to life benefits the nation, they are more likely to develop policies and commit funding to early childhood initiatives. When organisations understand they can make the greatest impact by supporting young children and their families they are more likely to develop programmes to do so, and to support and train their staff to work effectively in those programmes.