Let’s introduce them …
What led you to discover the importance of play in your work?
David – I was working as an outreach youth worker in St Kilda in 1994. My client was a street worker and drug user, and she had a young daughter. She was admitted to receiving clinical treatment and I had care of the daughter. Behind the mission and the clinic and down a lane was the St Kilda Adventure Playground. It was a haven for street kids and local children. It had crazy cubbies. A labyrinth, a flying fox, fire pit, circuits, animals, trees and fruits, bits and bobs, tools and loose parts. I watched the children play in this space and saw exercise, freedom, conflict resolution, power and sharing.
I was hooked and a little nostalgic. It had the Three Frees. Free to entre, free to play and free to come and go. The children were happy, smiling, laughing, connecting, belonging, playing, working together. These kids were Thriving. It took be back to when I was a kid in Denmark on a holiday and playing at Rodorve adventure playground. 30 years later... I am still hooked!
Kim – My journey toward understanding the significance of play mostly began during my early academic experiences. I first studied Early Childhood education for my Diploma/ Teaching Degree in the late 1980's, a time when teacher training recognised the critical importance of play. The importance of play was not only a part of my studies but also became a cornerstone of my teaching and leadership philosophy, and continues to guide me in my work today.
Jean Piaget was "big" at the time of training; Lev Vygotsky came a little later. It was when I started teaching that I began to more deeply understand how children construct their understanding of the world through play, and I observed my Kindergarten students flourish through play. The children were in fact, my teachers! They supported my understanding that play is a dynamic and natural medium. This impact was transformative, and it continues to guide me.
It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the impact of play from my own childhood. Thanks to my beautiful parents, play was encouraged, valued, and respected. I was blessed with constant opportunities to play both indoors and well as in nature, feeling a sense of freedom, and experiencing beauty. I created scenarios as I stepped into clothes from a dress up box, instructing my dolls when playing teachers, singing into a hairbrush as a new member of ABBA, taking orders from relatives at my pop-up café, and exploring everyday adventures with best friends.
Now, as I look back, I can clearly see that my journey toward understanding the importance and JOY of play was not just a discovery in an academic sense, but a personal and professional transformation. It has shaped my work and continues to inspire my advocacy for play (especially in schools) today.
Why is Play Australia important to you ? How has it helped you in your work?
David – Children's health and well-being are very important. Play Australia supports this notion. A robust and strong national governing body that represents the entire sector. Play Australia provides a foundation to ensure the sustainability of Play. PA provides networks, education, connections, resources, training, expertise, information, planning, visioning and strategy and most importantly belonging. All these aspects have been an integral part of our work as we improve our play practice and understanding.
Kim – Play Australia is a community which has gifted me with connections and relationships with the most wonderful, creative, inspiring people, true kindred spirits. Play Australia is a sanctuary where I can retreat and take shelter and be nourished and encouraged and a powerful ally is advocating for every child's right to play. Play Australia is a formative leader, our very own national advocacy organisation for PLAY, a peak body in Australia with a rich history, holding memories of those who advocated for play long before. It has grounded in the "now" while supporting me to be hopeful for a playful future.
What are you most excited about/ looking forward to, when it comes to play in 2025?
David – The message. Spreading the word about Play. The vision of PA. The sense of belonging to something bigger than oneself. People working together to create a healthier world for children.
Kim – I feel it's a hopeful and exciting time for play. I think Play Australia's mission of "building a healthier Australia through the power of play" says it all. A healthier Australia for children and adults! I'm excited about continued advocacy for play, nurturing connections and developing relationships through play. | 
