It is not good news as we read the latest report card on 'Physical Activity for Children and Young People'.

Overall activity still sits at a D-! 

Prepared by Active Healthy Kids Australia, the report states that there has been ' a lack of improvement across the board in physical activity benchmarks for children and young people since the Report Card initiative commenced in 2014.'

'Riding a bike is a life skill that helps Victorians to move about their local community, travel to school or work, save money, build fitness, improve independence, and make social connections.' 

Not just in Victoria, but everywhere needs this initiative! We know that when children ride and walk to school they are improving their health and wellbeing. 

Here is a terrific program with lots of resources for schools. 

Here is an interesting article encouraging Australia to follow the lead of Europe and Asia to embrace "rewilding" Australian cities. 

Maybe it's time to move away from what is described as 'corporate landscape architecture that removes dangers and inconvenience, makes our environments tame and safe and sanitized..'

Active for Life reminds us of the importance of sensory play. 

What is it? How does it support children's development?  Read about it below. 

'Engaging in sensory play can happen at a park, in the backyard, along a nature trail, on a beach or in a puddle.' 

So during the school holidays, take a walk outside and watch sensory play at work!

'Adolescence is a critical period in which environments encountered can shape dynamic brain development, personal capabilities and health across the adult lifecourse.'

Published in April 2022, this research paper looks at the links between teenager mental health and access to spending time in 'quality green spaces' like parks. 

Anything we can encourage to remediate the increasing rates of poorer mental health for our teens must be worth doing. 

Photo by J Meier Unsplash

This year's convention has been busy asking the industry what the key focuses are over the next two years:

• post COVID recovery
• preventative health agenda
• our children and the education systems
• growing participation
• understanding the needs and interest of children and young people

Be part of the conversation for change and register now. 

Maintenance Requirements for Early Years Outdoor Play Areas

The demand has been high, so another session has now been added for Wednesday 01 JUNE 2022.

This one-day program will focus on the risk management requirements and Australian Standards for the management and maintenance of outdoor playspaces in supervised early learning services in Australia.

Your presenters, Alison Curtis and Barb Champion are highly qualified and experienced practitioners in playspace and equipment design and risk management.

Play Australia is offering its very popular two-day face-to-face training program again in 2022.

Delivered in Templestowe, Victoria, this extensive training enables participants to access and understand both best practice and current Playground Standards applicable to the management, development, design and maintenance of playspaces throughout Australia today.

All participants will receive level 1 & 2 certification.

The Autumn series will be opening for registrations shortly. 

Put a hold in your diary for Thursday 19 May, 4-5 PM for an important conversation with Robyn Monro Miller - Children, Play & Crisis. 

More to come soon!

Play Australia membership provides support for all different sectors and industry who are part of the PLAY network. 

From Landscape Architects, Early Childhood Educators, play equipment Manufacturers, Local Government playspace teams, students, or just someone who cares about children's health and wellbeing,  Play Australia membership has something for everyone.

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

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