Members of the newly formed WA Play Strategy Advisory Committee met for the first time yesterday to begin their work to support the development of the Australian-first strategy.
The committee brings together extensive expertise across research, practice, and advocacy, with members who have long contributed to improving outcomes for children and families in Western Australia and beyond.
“We are honoured they are taking the time to share their deep knowledge of these matters as we develop this important strategy. We thank them for their time and efforts,” said Early Childhood Minister, Sabine Winton (pictured, left).
“Play is a critically important part of early childhood development, and this strategy will help guide the Cook Labor Government to ensure play is placed at the centre of early childhood policy development.”
The Committee Chair is Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Early Childhood, Emily Hamilton MLA.
“As Chair of the WA Play Strategy Advisory Committee I am looking forward to working with this highly accomplished group to ensure Western Australia leads the nation in ensuring the youngest members of our community are given every opportunity to grow, thrive, and play,” said Ms Hamilton.
The members of the WA Play Strategy Advisory Committee are:
- Associate Professor Sandra Hesterman (Deputy Chair), Play Matters Collective and Executive Lead Early Childhood Education, Murdoch University;
- Associate Professor Fiona Boylan, Co-Chair of the Australian Early Childhood Teachers Education Network and Associate Dean Early Childhood Studies, Edith Cowan University;
- Professor Hayley Christian AM, Head of Child Physical Activity, Health and Development, The Kids Research Institute Australia;
- Annette Harwood, Chief Executive Officer, Playgroup WA;
- Griffin Longley, Churchill Fellow and champion of outdoor play, Director Economic Dignity and Family Supports, Minderoo Foundation;
- Professor Helen Milroy AM, Stan Perron Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Perth Children’s Hospital and the University of Western Australia and Honorary Research Fellow at The Kids Research Institute Australia;
- Justine Moorman, President, Early Years in Education Society;
- Dr Kelsie Prabawa-Sear, Chief Executive Officer, Nature Play WA;
- Kristina Radcliffe, Executive Manager, Strategy, Policy and Planning, Council of Aboriginal Services Western Australia;
- Marcelle Saratsis, Play Matters Collective;
- Tanya Steers, Chair, Early Childhood Australia WA Branch; and
- Chris Twomey, Leader of Policy and Research and Children’s Policy Advisory Council, WA Council of Social Services.
The Government said the committee’s work in support of the WA Play Strategy responds to growing national and international recognition that play underpins children’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional health.
“It recognises that governments have a role in enabling access to quality play across homes, early learning settings, schools, communities, and public spaces,” the Government stated.
