Read the latest article from Tim Gill's website, Rethinking Childhood.

We were delighted to host a visit last week to Melbourne of Harry Harbottle, Paul Collings and Julian Richter of Richter Spielgeräte (Germany) and TimberPlay (UK), and one of the organized events was a forum for Play Australia members on Playing Outdoors – Risks and Benefits.   It was a fantastic presentation and discussion and Harry has very generously agreed to share his presentation on our website.  He asks that it not be copied without reference to Richter Spielgeräte as the author of the material.

This conference is for everyone involved in early childhood education from birth to the early years of school and will have a special emphasis on the National Quality Framework and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework.

Creating Places & Spaces where Children & Young People are valued as Citizens.

Full details and online registration at City of Bendigo website.

Full details and registration here...

During the first spring of the Obama presidency, the First Lady broke ground on a White House vegetable garden. Then, in February 2010, she announced the Let’s Move initiative, a campaign to change the way America’s children eat and exercise, with the goal of ending childhood obesity in a generation.

Read more.

This is an outstanding program of topics, presenters and site tours, and is a must for all recreation planners, parks & open space planners, early years workers, landscape architects, urban planners, strategic planners, and anyone interested to learn about the value of play and play space design.

Download registration form and full details under our events listing here.

Check out this amazing new 'Naturescape' in Perth and be inspired!

AROUND AUSTRALIA THIS WEEK shoes are being shined, pencils sharpened and lunches packed. At the school gate, parents will farewell little ones with oversized hats and backpacks as they tumble into the school year. Read More...

Play Australia members are encouraged to register to receive this information sent to your email address on Grants available throughout the year, as there may be opportunities to access funds for play projects.