The Winter Online Learning Series is nearly here.  So put these dates in your calendar now!

Thursday 5 August - Inclusion for Play

Thursday 12 August - Play and Sport: An Opportunity

Thursday 19 August - AS4422 Impact testing

Thursday 26 August - Activating New Zealand’s Play System

Thursday 2 September - 1000 Play Streets National Launch

Watch your inbox for more details coming very soon!

To access the whole series of specialised professional development for free, become a Play Australia Member now. 

Play Australia's Playground Finder App has received a boost from the ACT government to encourage more outdoor play time by ramping up access to over 500 playspaces.

This is a great step forward in an effort to improve rates of physical activity among the territory's young people, by promoting greater awareness of Canberra's public playgrounds.

Play Australia’s Play Network Events provide invaluable PD and networking opportunities. If you live in South Australia, Queensland or Victoria, check out your special invitation:

Brisbane 29 July 2021-  Play on the edges – overcoming the barriers to play 

Adelaide 29 July 2021 - Inclusive Playspace Forum

Melbourne 4 August 2021 - The Learning Garden Belongs to The Children 

Thanks to our respective State Committees for organising!

Some good news in this recent The Conversation article, that says:

'when children are outdoors at childcare, they engage in 10 times as much energetic play (higher-intensity physical activity) compared to when they are indoors!'

So more needs to be done to encourage curriculum objectives in programing to integrate increased outdoor play. 

When planning a play space, incorporating a garden area provides an invaluable sensory experience. Natural environments can provide a range of health benefits and have proven therapeutic benefits. 

The Horticultural Therapy Association of Victoria provides a great checklist of how to support the design of garden spaces and how they can stimulate all five senses! 

(Photo - Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens)

As a Play Australia Member, you have access to a range of resources to support your business and interest in all things PLAY! 

Benefits include a range of digital assets for your website, logos and signature blocks, plus our 'Value of Play' personalised signage. 

Make the most of your membership benefits today. Not a member? You know what to do - join now!

"I am the Nature Program Coordinator at YMCA Kids Go Bush.  Our programs run at YMCA Anglesea Recreation camp with the mission to get Surfcoast families and young people to play, learn and explore our beautiful bush environment. 

Our program ensures that kids are challenged in a safe and controlled environment supported by passionate staff. 

Play promotes real life skills and focuses on creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking. Breaking down barriers so all young people engage and connect to the natural world, developing respect, resilience, lifelong learning and a sense of place."

Play Australia Membership starts from as little as $22 p/yr for a student OR $66 p/yr for an individual.

Benefits include:

• Access to quarterly online Play Today PD sessions
• Be profiled in our Membership Directory
• Receive our  Special Bulletins, invites to PLAY events…and much more!

View our full list of benefits here to find the Membership package that is right for you. 

"Play Australia provides ongoing support, information and networking. This in turn supports educators and all children, to value the right to play, to access natural spaces safely and promote the worth of independent, imaginative outdoor play." Elizabeth Haines