The inaugural IPA World Asia Pacific Conference on Play is set to be a groundbreaking event, bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders from across the Asia Pacific region to delve into the transformative power of play.

Scheduled to take place in Melbourne, Australia, the conference will convene government representatives, NGOs, educators, urban planners, health professionals, designers, and play advocates to exchange ideas and develop strategies that emphasize the integral role of play in fostering healthy human development and vibrant communities.

This landmark conference will serve as a dynamic platform for thought leadership and empowerment in advocacy and engagement related to play. With an emphasis on cross-sector collaboration, the event aims to inspire participants by showcasing innovative approaches and evidence-based practices that demonstrate the multifaceted benefits of play.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore how play can enhance physical, emotional, and social well-being, and how it can be leveraged as a tool for community transformation.

Keynote speakers and panelists, comprising leading experts and passionate advocates from various fields, will illuminate the latest research and trends in play-based initiatives. These sessions are designed to challenge conventional thinking, stimulate dialogue, and inspire action, empowering participants to become champions of play in their respective domains.

Topics will range from the role of play in early childhood education and urban planning, to its impact on mental health and community building.

Workshops and interactive sessions will offer participants the opportunity to engage deeply with the content and collaborate on developing actionable solutions. These sessions will facilitate the sharing of best practices and innovative ideas that can be adapted to diverse cultural and community contexts within the Asia Pacific region.

The conference will also highlight successful case studies and projects from around the region, demonstrating the tangible impact of play on community resilience and cohesion. These inspirational stories will serve as powerful reminders of the potential for play to drive social change and improve health outcomes.

The Inaugural IPA World Asia Pacific Conference on Play will forge lasting connections among participants, fostering a vibrant network of play advocates who are equipped to drive meaningful change in their communities, supporting the development of healthier, happier, and more connected communities throughout the Asia Pacific.

Registration and Expressions of Interest for presentation are all easily contained on the one site so take a look. This website will be updated regularly.

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Email Robyn at ceo@playaustralia.org.au

Have you heard, we've released the dates for the 2nd round of our Playwork Foundation Practitioner Training course in 2025!

About the course

This course is the starting point for all learners. The course provides a sound introduction to the Playwork Principles, loose parts theory, play cycle, intervention styles, dynamic risk-benefit assessment and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

This training is industry certified by Play Australia and will be offered as a micro credential. The course is designed for those people currently working with children.

The course is broken up into different components including 3 x webinars, approx 3 hours online reading/preparation, a 2-day face-to-face practice workshop and assessments.

All sections of the course and assessment must be completed to receive the certificate. Course assessment activities to be submitted by 1 July 2025.

Webinar Dates:

Thursday 6 March 2025, 7-9pm AEDT
Thursday 10 April 2025 (time to be confirmed)
Tuesday 6 May 2025 (time to be confirmed)

Face-to-face workshops. Register for:

Melbourne – Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 May 2025

Brisbane – Thursday 29 and Friday 30 May 2025

Rockhampton (NEW!) – Sunday 1 June and Monday 2 June 2025

Sydney – Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 June 2025

Members in WA,SA, Tas, ACT and NT may apply for a $200 travel subsidy to support travel costs. Limit of 5 travel subsidies per workshop location.

Prerequisites

Currency – must has at least 2 years’ experience working face to face with children or young people in last 12 months.
Will be able to actively apply the learnings to a school, children’s service, or Youth program and have the support of your management.
Current working with children clearance.
Current child protection training (desirable).

Cost per participant

Members: $984.50 inc gst

Non-members $1424.50 inc gst

Robyn Monro Miller will share what she learnt at the conference in Wales and discuss with members what we might see as relevant to Australia.

This practical half-day face-to-face workshop in Templestowe, Victoria, will take your through how to use Benefit Risk Assessment in your service. The day will include practical application of undertaking a benefit risk assessment and participants will gain a thorough understanding of how Benefit Risk Assessment can be applied in your service and receive the new Play Australia resources to make it happen!

Location: Templestowe, Vic

Cost:
Members: $93.50 inc gst, per person
Non-members: $137.50 inc gst per person

The Play Australia office will close for summer break on Wednesday 18 December and reopen on Wednesday 22 January 2025. Our extra-long break is good to use up our leave entitlements, and ensure we are rested and recalibrated for a new year!

For urgent matters – send an email to info@playaustralia.org.au