It has been a whirlwind start to 2023 and the Play Australia office has been buzzing with activity. This past week Play Australia had Robyn and Kieran present at the International Toy Library Conference in Melbourne, and what a great, motivated global community they are! We also heard the news last week that funding for our 1000 Play Streets in South Australia was approved for another year – so more communities in SA are set to be the big beneficiaries thanks to their play friendly government! 
 
We are currently working on a range of new opportunities that we hope to be launching later this year, including our new online training modules. Some of us have already had a sneak preview!   
 
Research has been another big focus so far this year and we are delighted to be crossing our fingers and our toes, as we wait for our partners in play at Deakin and Monash, to hear the results of their funding submissions for further research that will help improve understanding of play. 
 
Have you got an idea or a partnership for play you want us to be part of?? Let us know, we are up for the challenge! 
 
Yours Playfully. 
 
Robyn, Kieran, Joanne, and Pete. 

This year Children’s Week will be observed between 21 – 29 October 2023.

The Children’s Week Council of Australia (CWCoA) 2023 National Theme is based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Article 31: Children have the right to relax, play and to join in a wide range of leisure activities. 

Have you thought about how you and your organisation will celebrate Children's Week?

Play Australia will be hosting a range of events including seminars with global play advocate, Tim Gill!

Play Australia is also planning some playful inspiration for you to be part of and include in your advocacy for play so save the dates!

We will also be running some planning webinars and asking you to share your ideas in the lead up to the event.

Breaking news this week was from Melbourne University Professor of Education, Pasi Sahlburg, advocating for play.

The Playspace Development Program is a 2-day certified program designed for those involved in design, development and management of play equipment and play spaces.

The content is delivered by experts in the field and supports participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of Playground Standards and application of best practice principles to the management, development, design, and maintenance of Australian play spaces.

“Over the years I’ve sent all my team to the 2-day course where they have learnt so much about play and what to look for in playground submissions from developers. I often ask if consulting Landscape Architects have done the course (most haven’t) and encourage them to do so. Play is so much more than fancy looking structures!” – Local Government Manager.

IPA Member Webinars

For members of the International Play Association, free member webinars are being held with the next one in the current series on Wednesday 22nd March and featuring Adventure Playgrounds. Check your inbox for an invite this weekend! Cannot locate? Drop us an email on info@playaustralia.org.au
 
National Sports and Physical Activity Convention, July 26-28, 2023 

Before you say "sport?" this one has a PLAY stream and Play Australia is a partner in ensuring play is an important part of physical literacy and engagement.  
 
As part of the conference, on July 26, Play Australia will be hosting a Play Space Bus Tour around Melbourne. The tour will include the Rocks on Wheels Playground, an adventure playground, pop up spaces, an intergenerational techno playspace.. and then of course there is the fun of being “on Board” with the Play Australia team.  

Who would have thought there were so many variations on the humble game of TAG! No resources necessary, potential for complete spontaneity, plus everyone seems to know the rules…or do they?

Try these little twists on an old favourite, and then let us know if you have more.

Shadow Tag

In this version of Tag, you tag each other's shadow with your feet instead of tagging their body!! Perfect for those sunny days and the last warm sunlight of the day! It is a game aimed for morning and afternoons, don’t try at between 11am  and 1pm!

Freeze Tag

This is a variation of Tag where if the person who is "it" tags you, you must freeze where you are. Another participant can tag you to unfreeze you.  

Song Tag

A variation of Freeze Tag where the person unfreezing the frozen player must call out a song title. The person is only released if they can sing the song! 

Get a good start on 2023 and join Play Australia today and help us protect the rights of children in Australia to ‘play today’.

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.