Play Australia Member News
Play Australia Member News
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Executive Director's Update - Barb Champion

Greetings to you all. This year continues to challenge us both personally and professionally given the ongoing health crisis, but my observation is that most members are coping as well as can be expected, and adapting to the regularly changing circumstances across the country.

We are pleased to note that playgrounds appear not to being closed in the rules governing lockdowns we are experiencing at the moment.

My further updates include:

  • the development of the Risk Assessors Network 
  • more re the Insurance crisis affecting our industry members
  • recently published Standards
  • Play activity around the states
  • the new playground policy for Victorian schools
Read Barb's Update
Martin Sheppard - NSC expanded

National Sports Convention (NSC) has launched for 2021 and has far greater emphasis on physical activity this year.

Martin Sheppard, the NSC’s co-founder is interviewed and shares some of his thoughts on why the NSC is expanding and now highlighting 'physical activity' in the program. 
Read the interview with Martin
Dr Sue Elliot - in profile

Sue is an inspiring and passionate advocate for outdoor play experiences, nature play and sustainability for children. Sue's extensive experience and academic record is unparalled in the Australian play sector. 

In this Member Profile, Sue talks to us about what she sees as some of the most important issues we need to address in terms of children and play in Australia.  Sue's comments are thought provoking and encourage the need for us all to do more to improve our children's long-term health and wellbeing. 
Read Sue's profile
A new tool kit

A play space generally means 'a space that has been created with the intention of supporting children’s play'.  This new tool kit, launched by Play Wales,  'is intended to provide a single source of support and signposting for community groups to navigate some of the challenges of managing or developing a play space'.  And it's well worth a look!

For face-to-face training, Play Australia offers a 2 Day Play Space Development Training in Melbourne. See booking details further on in the newsletter. 
More on the new UK tool kit
WINTER Online Learning Series starts 5 August

This new series is looking great! Over five weeks, starting Thursday 5 August, Members have the opportunity to hear from experts in the play sector.  

Check out the sessions below, click on the event and book your place now.

For your infomation:

  • Special Events are FREE and open to everyone
  • Play Today PD Sessions are open to Play Australia Members only
  • Playground Standards Sessions are open to Play Australia Full Benefits Members only

Check out the Presenters and full program here.

Register for one, or register for them all! 

Thursday 5 August - Inclusion for Play (COMPLETED) 

Thursday 12 August - Play and Sport: An Opportunity

Thursday 19 August - AS4422 Impact testing

Thursday 26 August - Activating New Zealand’s Play System

Thursday 2 September - 1000 Play Streets National Launch
Full Online Learning Series Program
PLAY Campaigns

The big news is that our national campaign developments have moved significantly over 2020-21, as we prepare for roll-out and growth during our five year strategy (2020-25).

This update from Kieran Brophy, Assistant Director at Play Australia, covers our three key national campaigns, being: 1000 Play Streets, Play Today and Playground Finder.

Over the coming 12 months we are excited to release these campaigns publicly and welcome Member involvement as we unpack the opportunities together, so that we can effectively build children’s play in our neighbourhoods and ultimately, improve the health and wellbeing of communities.
Read Kieran's campaign update
Member ASSETS

If you haven't got hold of your Member resources, don't wait, they're ready for you now. 

Member Logo and personalised signage is available to profile your affiliation with Play Australia and importantly, promote the value of play.  

The following resources are available for your use:

Plus - make sure your company and services are listed in the Membership Directory and submit your application. 
Membership Directory application
Member Survey results are in

A must-read for all our Members on the future focus of Play Australia.

It's been a big 12 months as Play Australia completes year one, of our bold five year game plan to build a healthier Australia through play.

Importantly, we also continue to be a proud Member organisation and are excited to build our advocacy efforts alongside our Members to promote the value of play and support all Australians to play every day.

Read the survey results

This specialised training program is designed for people working in the government, non-government and community sectors, involved in the design, development and management of play equipment and playspaces.

Engaging presentations and onsite case studies will be included.

The presenters are the leaders in their field and have unrivalled expertise and experience in the key areas of Australian Standards, design and maintenance of play equipment and facilities. There are also invaluable networking opportunities for participants across industry.

'Thank you for running this course and making it such an engaging event. It answered so many questions for me and has helped me look at play space design in a much less rigid and prescribed way.' Jeanette - Senior Landscape Architect, Melton City Council 

Register now for October 20 & 21. 

Note – participants will receive level 1 & 2 certification from Play Australia.
Register for October now
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