Play Dialogues

Bringing people together in every state and territory to remove barriers to play

Play Dialogues are free, friendly gatherings where members, supporters, government and agencies share what is working, name what is getting in the way of play, and work out practical next steps together. There is real influence in being part of an established national organisation with a 114 year history of commitment to increasing and supporting opportunities for play and we want to build on that! 

The Play Dialogues are the next tier in Play Australia's mission to build healthy communities through the power of play by delivering on a grass roots led National Plan for Play. 

Each gathering carries the name of its place, so you will find the NSW Play Dialogue, the Victorian Play Dialogue, the Tasmanian Play Dialogue, the Queensland Play Dialogues and so on. Every one of them is part of the same national conversation, but each one will offer a targetted opportunity for state and territory specific issues and government engagement.

One organisation, one national vision

Play Australia is a single national organisation. Play Dialogues do not divide us. They help us coordinate what is happening in each state and territory so that good ideas travel further, and local knowledge shapes national action.

People join Play Australia because they share a cross sectoral vision for play. Taking part in a Play Dialogue is always voluntary. No member or supporter is required to attend or participate, it is optional. You are free to engage and free to opt out, dependign on your interest and time committments.

What is a Play Dialogue?

Every Play Dialogue is built around real barriers to play identified by our members and supporters. The goal is simple: remove the barrier, or make sure the knowledge to remove it reaches the people who need it.

• Member presentations. Members share their own work, projects and lessons learned.
• Guest speakers. Representatives from state and territory governments and agencies tell us about their initiatives to support more playful communities.
• Open conversation. Respectful, constructive discussion between members, government and other agencies, with politically neutral ground rules.
• Clear next steps. Each session finishes with ideas, contacts and actions that carry on between gatherings.

Everyone who attends signs a Code of Conduct, so every Play Dialogue is a welcoming and respectful space.

2027 Play Dialogues

In each state and territory with we will aim offer four face to face Play Dialogues a year. Every session, where possible, has an online option. Where a jurisdiction has fewer than 15 members, Play Dialogues are held online on the same dates so no one misses out.

We will keep January, June, October and December free because they are busy times for so many of us. Dates for each state and territory will be published on its page from November 2026, with the first face to face sessions at the end of February 2027.

What happens on the day

• Morning session. 10am to 1pm. Three hours of presentations, speakers and conversation. Free to attend.
• Make a day of it. Stay on for the afternoon if you like. Depending on the location, there may be site visits, working groups, training or meetings with decision makers.
• Join online. Prefer to log in? Some Play Dialogues will have an online option.

We also run two to four casual networking events annually in every state and territory. They are relaxed, social events and a great way to meet people working in play near you.

Your voice sets the agenda

What we talk about is up to you. Each year we run the Big Issues Survey, asking members and supporters what is getting in the way of play where they live and work.

Big Issues Survey: 
The survey is open from November 15 2026 until 2 February 2027. The results are shared back at the first Play Dialogue in February 2027 and guide the agenda for the year.

Before state and territory elections we also hold election Play Dialogues, where candidates are invited to share their plans for play and answer questions from members.

Who you will hear from

Play Dialogues bring together people who can make a difference for play:

• State and territory government ministers and their advisers
• Agency leaders in areas such as education, health, planning, sport and recreation, and communities
• Local government and university representatives
• Play Australia members, from playground designers to educators, researchers, playworkers and community groups

Between Play Dialogues, Play Australia can arrange delegations for meetings with government and agencies on the issues members raise.

Connect with national networks

Play Dialogues sit alongside the national networks and reference groups already open to members and supporters:

• Risk Assessors Network
• Playwork Forum
• Playwork Reflective Practice Sessions (monthly)
• Play Research Network
• LG@Play, for local government
• Expert reference groups, formed from time to time to look at specific issues

Each state and territory also has working groups for Children’s Week and Australian Play Week, so ideas and information flow between places. A new online app is on the way to make it even easier to join the national interest groups that matter to you.

Members and supporters will also have access to toolkits and training to help them support play in their own communities.

Your state or territory page

Every state and territory will have  its own page on the Play Australia website. Each one brings together local information, upcoming events and Play Dialogue dates, the issues being worked on, and the actions underway. We have also secured a placeholder name and social media presence for each place, such as Play NSW, so you can follow local news wherever you are. These pages will come into effect in 2027 - at the moment they are just placeholders.

Find your page:
NSW | VIC | QLD | WA | SA | TAS | ACT | NT

Ways to get involved

• Come along. Register for your next Play Dialogue, in person or online. Registrations open when dates and locations are announced in November.
• Present. Share your work with other members.
• Complete the Big Issues Survey. Tell us what is getting in the way of play.
• Volunteer. Help out on the day in your state or territory.
• Become a Convenor. Each state and territory will have voluntary Convenors who help coordinate Play Dialogues, welcome people on the day and connect their community with the national office.
• Join a network. Find a national network that matches your interests.
• Invite a speaker. Know someone in government or an agency doing great work for play? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free?
Yes. Play Dialogues are free to attend for all members and supporters. We work with councils and universities to find low cost or free venues.

Do I need to be a member?
Members and supporters are the heart of Play Dialogues. If you are curious about joining, get in touch and we will point you in the right direction.

Can I join online even if there is a face to face session near me?
Yes. We aim to have an online option for every Play Dialogue.

Who runs my Play Dialogue?
Play Australia’s CEO and our national office work with volunteer Convenors in each state and territory to assist facilitate the events. Their role must not present a conflict of interest ( commercial or otherwise), this is important to Play Australia, we are cross sectoral, bi-partisan and inclusive - our convenors support that approach also.

Get in touch

To register, volunteer, present or ask a question, contact the Play Australia team or register online when dates are released.