14/08/2026
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 is a groundbreaking documentary that explores the transformati...