On Tuesday 13 September Play Australia proudly launches our Play Today Campaign!

It is essential we grow awareness about the power of play and grow confidence in parents and caregivers to provide FREEDOM, TIME and SPACE for children to get outside and play every day.

Join our launch online and hear more our how you can participate in Play Today, with Dr Jane Webb-Williams from the University of South Australia, Barb Champion our Executive Director, sharing information and resources to get involved. 

Play Australia Board Member, Dr Brendon Hyndman recently joined Education Review to discuss the disturbing issue of shrinking school playgrounds and the impact, plus sharing tips on making the most of the space available.

Well worth a listen! 

Wednesday 5 October
1 Day F2F Training in Melbourne

This specialised program focuses on the risk management requirements and Australian Standards for the management and maintenance of outdoor play spaces in early learning services in Australia.

The outdoor program is not an optional add-on to a 'main' indoor program, but an essential key component of every service for young children. It is a requirement as detailed in the National Quality Standards and regular playspace maintenance is essential for every early years’ service. 

Over the month of September we encourage everyone to make their own #NaturePact. 

Join People and Parks Foundation  and explore how each and every one of us can build our own personal Nature Dose, using all our senses to connect with nature wherever we are.

Why? Because we are all part of nature, and nature connects, heals, and sustains us all.

If you couldn't make it to the National Sports and Physical Activity Convention held in Melbourne last month, the NSC is now pleased to be able to share the sessions online. 

'Clare Rorke, a social worker and child-centred play therapist at Mildura's Be Me Play Therapy, is concerned that kids aren't getting enough downtime to relax and flex their imaginative muscle.'

This terrific ABC News article is advocating for children to be 'given the freedom to explore self-directed play' through the use of loose parts. 

There has been a significant reduction in sport participation, some as a hang over to COVID lockdowns, but it is still concerning, when physical activity rates for children are so low. 

Active for Life provides some tips on how to help children who may have a hesitation to participate in sport. 

It is good to see State Governments taking a proactive approach to increasing physical activity through funding bike and walking paths. 

The NSW Government is spending $11.5 million to boost regional walking and cycling projects across the state.  

Overseas, there is a new initiative to increase physical activity and wellbeing through bike riding, the UK has introduced 'Walking and cycling will now be available on prescription.'  

It's all a definite step in the right direction. 

Researchers are reimagining shopping centre car parks, and showing how they can increase physical activity and increase business at the same time. 

'...re-imagined streets show thriving liveable communities, supporting friends and families to meet, creating local jobs and providing access to fresh food.' 

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.