Masterclass: Playful Provocations – A Deeper Dive into Play

That’s right! We’re adding a 4th masterclass. 

Playful Provocations – A Deeper Dive into Play brings together four speakers tackling the challenges, opportunities, and radical possibilities of play. Throughout the afternoon, each speaker will deliver a 40-minute workshop, inviting us to look deeper at how we design, support, and advocate for play across communities, childhoods, and systems.

Cath Fitzhardinge draws on her postgraduate research and occupational therapy background to explore how intentionally designed nature play spaces are used in early learning and primary school settings. With insights from educator interviews and play mapping, she shows how outdoor environments can be crafted to support diverse developmental needs and promote inclusive, meaningful play every day.

Natashja Treveton unpacks the design philosophy behind early learning playgrounds that are natural, inclusive, and deeply engaging. Drawing on years of experience and a collaborative approach with educators and families, she shares how thoughtful design supports risky play, sensory integration, and cultural inclusion. Her session highlights how outdoor spaces can become community-connected, child-powered places of learning and growth.

Richard William explores how fear shapes the landscape of play, from community pressures to legislative limitations, and how perceived risk can stall or even shut down vital play initiatives. Through real-world case studies, he examines the gap between society’s appetite for adventurous play and the systems that constrain it, offering tools to navigate fear with clarity and courage.

Daniel Burton shares the story of KIN Village, a nature-based, child-led school holiday program that proves unstructured play is essential for connection, confidence, and wellbeing. Through raftbuilding, fire-making, and wilderness exploration, children and teens engage in rich, autonomous play that builds resilience and joy. This workshop unpacks how trusting children and saying “yes” can powerfully shape healthy development.

Date: Friday June 27, 2025       

Time:    1.30pm- 5:00pm 

Cost:  $375  ( if you are attending the IPA Asia Pacific Conference 25-26 June,  you can book this masterclass for discounted rate of $295  at the time of your conference booking –  go to Conference Information                

Location:  

Mulitpurpose Room, Community Hub at the Dock

912 Collins Street

Docklands VIC 3008.

Join us at the conference, then dive deeper with Cath,Natasha, Richard and Daniel,on Friday 27th June from 1.30pm-5pm for a look at what drives play.