News from the Play Australia team...

There has been a lot happening, we thought we might send this e-News just as a reminder of all that is going on, plus some opportunities waiting for you to extend your knowledge and understanding of play, and to keep you updated with our advocacy activities!

We have seen a surge in membership and this is great news! We run the organisation on a shoestring budget and membership is a key source of our income. I'd like to welcome our new members to our community, as well as acknowledge the generosity of our members who are ensuring that play has a national voice.

We are working hard to drive engagement from decision makers across the country and over the coming 12 month you will see that engagement develop further. To support this, we will be introducing a range of working groups for members to engage with and contribute your expertise to, we aim to send more information out about this in this in the coming weeks. In preparation we encourage you to think about what aspect of play you feel most passionate about, and what expertise you would like to offer, naturally, there is no obligation!

Yours playfully,

Robyn, Joanne and Pete

Play Australia has made a submission to the Australian Government on the development of a National Urban Policy.

Play Australia in its submission drew attention to two omissions that relate to children’s play and the voice of the child in planning. We know these two elements are critical in the development of a national urban policy. We also advised that there was a difference between recreation and play that was not articulated in the draft document

It is important to note that the Australia Government as a signatory to the United National Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), has an obligation to uphold and respect the Convention. In particular, the National Urban Policy should ensure Article 31, Articles 12 and Article 4, are referenced and strategies identified to reflect the application of these articles in the Policy. If the Australian Government fails to do so they are in breach of the Convention.

Our submission elaborated on the need for accessible play spaces for all children and the right for children to be consulted on spaces and their environment. The Australian Government is currently considering the submission and others received, and will publish all submissions when the final draft of the policy is released,

Read more about the National Urban Policy

We encourage members to write to their federal member regarding the National Urban Policy and include key points:

1. Introduce yourself and your interest in play.

2. Voice your support for the development of a National Urban policy that it is consistent with international precedents.

3. Advise that a National Urban Policy, like those undertaken in other countries, must include reference to and provision for play, and a requirement to include children in planning.

4. Advise them that Play Australia has provided a submission to the consultation and the support of the federal member to see that the issues raised are accommodated in the new policy would be appreciated by you.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day Ambassador 2024 Shelley Ware from SNAICC

Only a few weeks away from this national celebration! This years theme is Strong in Culture, Stronger Together.

Celebrated annually on August 4, some schools and children’s services will be celebrating it on August 2 this year due to the days of week!

Visit SNAICC for resources and information.

This special hybrid event is targeted to South Australia members!

Watch the recording  “In Conversation” with ADAM BIENENSTOCK

 He has served on numerous advisory committees, among them the Green Schools National Network, the International Association of Nature Pedagogy, the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

A recording of the presentation by Adam is available now free for members. The rich conversation with members that followed the presentation was not recorded, as our presenters like to be able to speak candidly, as do our participants, so out of respect for that we do not record the wonderful conversation that always follows a presentation.

Play Australia member David Eager who is a Professor Risk Management and Injury Prevention at UTS in Sydney has written a paper on ISO 4890:2023 Benefit-risk analysis (BRA).

It was published in the journal ‘Standards’ and you can assess it via this free downloadable link.

Play Australia supports and encourage all or members to use the BRA method (AS ISO 4890:2023) when assessing sport and recreational spaces.

We are hosting a free members webinar on Benefit-Risk Assessment to which you are all invited! 

Debriefing Benefit Risk and the ISO – What does it mean for Australia and New Zealand?
Thursday 1 August 2024, 7pm AEST

If you are interested in being part of the next cohort of Australian Playwork Practitioners, please register your interest as we will be offering positions for the March/April 2025 cohort to Play Australia members first!