We have so much to learn when we listen to children's voices.  Click the video and hear what they have to say. 

Our Play Today Campaign is all about providing more outdoor play for our children. Exposure to nature, fresh air and sunshine every day are key ingredients to effectively support our children’s mental wellbeing and reduce their anxiety.

Our last PD series for 2022, so book now! 

Starting on Thursday 20 October with Dr Sue Elliott, this is a Special Event open to all members and non members. 

This series will also feature:

• Kim Becherand, Head of Inclusive Play, Touched by Olivia for Members.
• Play Australia Risk Assessors Network for Full Benefit Members
• Martin Halden, Coordinator – Strategic Transport, City of Greater Dandenong for Members
• Kim Moroney, Specialist: Early Years (Pre K-4) Curriculum, Curriculum and Innovation Education Research Sydney Catholic Schools for Members.
• Bron Joslyn, Service Director and Early Childhood Teacher open to all Members and non Members

Presented by the International Play Association - Building Social Cohesion and Community Wellbeing through Play

When: 12 Oct 2022, 12:00 - 13:30 (BST)
Where: Zoom

Featuring our very own Kieran Brophy, Play Australia Assistant Director, talking about 1000 Play Streets and Aidan Burns from Playboard Northern Ireland speaking about their project Our Generation. 

From our wonderful Play Australia friends in Western Australia, here is an article recently published in The Conversation. 

Cars have taken over our neighbourhoods. Kid-friendly superblocks are a way for residents to reclaim their streets.

'Transforming neighbourhoods in this way enables us to once again enjoy the public space right on our doorsteps – the street.'

The Children and Nature Network have shared an inspiring project from Peru, where they are 'connecting children to nature and empowering them as agents of change'. 

Read the case studies and see how this practical application of developing nature-filled schools is creating real change for children and nature.

The City of Melbourne has recently been shortlisted in the AIPH World Green City Awards 2022. 

The innovative repurposing of what the City of Melbourne describes as surplus road space, car parks, slip lanes and maintenance depots, have made way for over 80 extra hectares of diverse open spaces. 

'Grey to Green is an innovative, cost-effective and environmentally friendly model that is replicable in any city, anywhere.'

For her PhD research, Özlemnur Ataol developed a child-focused vision of cities, drawing on participatory urban planning research with children and caregivers in Istanbul.

Her research aims to better understand the participation and representation of children in urban planning processes.

'Children are citizens of today, and their well-being is a matter of the future of all nations.'

Described as a 'A New/Old Trend', rope-based play has seen a resurgence, yet it can be traced back to the 1930's. 

Rope play provides a unique connection with the child, the texture and movement creates 'a dialogue between the child playing and the structure'. 

Read this interesting article by Lukas Steinke from Playground Professionals.

Wednesday 9 November 2022
10:00am-1:30pm

It is a requirement as detailed in the National Quality Standards that regular outdoor playspace maintenance is essential for every early years’ service.

This one-day program is face to face, and will be held in Melbourne.

You will focus on the risk management requirements and Australian Standards for the management and maintenance of outdoor play spaces in supervised early learning services in Australia.

Playspace Development Training
2-Day Program 
Wednesday 30 Nov & Thursday 1 Dec 2022

This training program is designed for people working in the government and non-government and industry  sectors, involved in the design, development, management and maintenance of play equipment and playspaces.

Participants will receive level 1 & 2 certification from Play Australia.

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.