The International Play Association (IPA) has developed an International Webinar Series, starting on 4 November, due to the 21st IPA Triennial World Conference being postponed until late 2021. This webinar series provides an excellent opportunity to bring together international expert presentations drawn from achitecture and planning, academics, play practice, education (and many more).

The theme is Making Cities Child Friendly in the Post Pandemic World.  We encourage your participation in this unique international play event.  Registrations open on 23 October.  

A recent Emerging Minds article asked the question, "Could a prescription of nature benefit children's mental health?" 

The review has suggested health care providers are recommending 'dosages' of exposure to nature in the same way they might have prescribed medication. Stating 'the use of, and nearness to, green space by children is linked to: increased emotional wellbeing, decreased stress, reduced depressive symptoms, lower behavioural problems; and enhanced attention'.

“Did you know a well-designed playground will stimulate a child’s imagination and encourage them to explore new dimensions to play.” (Better Health Channel, 2019)

So Play Australia is going to help you find one! Playground Finder is a terrific platform (available on iOS App and website) designed to help people find playgrounds close by.  We want all families to find local playgrounds Australia wide, making outside play more accessible and filling community play spaces with children and families. 

Steven Herrick says that every child should be given the opportunity to learn to ride a bike, and "to deny children the simple joy of riding a bike is an abdication of our parental responsibilities". Steven likes his bike riding! 

The physical benefits for kids from riding a bike are so positive, from muscle development, flexibility and coordination. Plus, learning independence and having a sense of freedom builds resilience. Yet, our roads are mainly built for transport and there is a massive community call out to design streetscapes that favour people over cars. 

Dr Kym Symoncini is an Associate Professor of Early Childhood and Primary Education at the University of Canberra.  She is a former primary school teacher who is now at the forefront of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Curriculum Pilot Program in Australia. 

Kym is especially interested in children's right to play and how play is so important for children's development. "Too many people don't realise that play is a right of the child. In early childhood education, the curriculum is prioritised over play-based learning. I see it as my job to advocate for free play and remind people to let children play. 

If you recognise the importance of embedding play into everyone’s daily lives to achieve better life outcomes, then become a Play Australia member. You can help to protect the rights of every child in Australia to PLAY TODAY so they can experience a better tomorrow.

Play Australia is the peak national advocacy organisation for PLAY.