Play Australia is launching a FREE online professional development program for early years services, thanks to the Warrawong Professional Learning Grants. Our first session will run jointly with the Summer Online Learning Series. 

This specialised series will highlight the important role early childhood educators have to support the vital connection with outdoor play and the healthy physical and mental development of young children today. 

The Early Years Online Learning Series starts on Thursday 17 February. Featuring Robyn Monro Miller, International Play Association President and Play Australia Board Member, presenting Play and the Developing Brain. 

Here is a dose of wonder to start your year, from Landscape Australia. Exploring the Heide Healing Garden in Melbourne, this article reminds us of the healing power of being immersed in nature and the impact of plants on our health and wellbeing.  

"A collection of scented plants mark the garden’s entrance; a kitchen garden of edible plants blends into the museum’s current working kitchen garden; a haptic play garden celebrates textural plants and water play; and a bush garden expands on the garden’s existing collection of indigenous edible and healing plants."

The organisation behind National Backyard Cricket tell us that "summer is here so it is time for Australian cricket fans to pad up and face the deliveries in 2022’s National Backyard Cricket Day, 6 February."

This is a great event for enthusiasts to take time out with family and friends, to get outside and enjoy a game of cricket. It’s for a good cause as the funds raised support education projects in Australia and other cricket-playing nations. 

In a recent study  Aussie kids ranked 140th out of 146 countries for physical activity. This is a lousy result to say the least and one that should shock us into action. 

Schools and governments have spent a lot of money on attempting to increase physical activity in kids, according to The Conversation.

As people who design, develop and manage playspaces for children, it is important that we have an understanding of what 'inclusion' really means for kids with a disability. 

Raising Children provides an informative article around inclusion. It reminds us that ALL children have the right to:

• play and learn, and 
  
• feel that they belong

When planning and developing playspaces let's always keep this front of mind. 

Corey Wingard is the SA Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing, and he was in full swing at the Holdfast Bay 1000 Play Streets event. 

There is no better way to demonstrate your support than to don your hat, put on your sunnies and get out there and show your community you mean what you say!

Great to see and many thanks to Corey, ORSR and the City of Holdfast Bay for showing us how it's done. 

Start the year right now and highlight your commitment to promote the value of play in 2022.

Value of Play - Digital Assets are available to download for free!

Use these icons on your signature block or your organisation’s website. The graphic files can be uploaded in sections to support desktop and mobile view.

We are also pleased to present a range of resources for Members to help you promote your commitment to play.

Play Australia membership provides support for all different sectors and industry who are part of the PLAY network.  From Landscape Architects, Early Childhood Educators, play equipment Manufacturers, Local Government playspace teams, students, or just someone who cares about children's health and wellbeing,  Play Australia membership has something for everyone.

Membership starts from as little as $22 p/yr for a student OR $66 p/yr for an individual.

View our full list of benefits here to find the Membership package that is right for you.