The WA Government has established the WA Play Strategy Advisory Committee, as part of its development of an Australian-first Play Strategy to recognise the importance of play for children and young people.
Announced on the International Day of Play, the Advisory Committee will bring together recognised experts, senior sector leaders, and long-standing advocates including leading Western Australian organisations such as Play Matters Collective and Nature Play WA.
Early Childhood Minister, Sabine Winton (pictured) said the committee’s expertise will ensure the WA Play Strategy is evidence-based, reflects Western Australian contexts, and is informed by the voices of children, families and those working directly with young children.
“Play is not just fun – it is essential to how children learn, grow and thrive, and it underpins their health, wellbeing and development across early childhood,” said Minister Winton.
“The WA Play Strategy Advisory 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.
“Drawing on the experience, the strategy will be informed by evidence and practical insight, supporting meaningful opportunities for play across early learning settings, schools, homes and communities, and providing a considered, evidence-based approach to supporting every child’s start in life.”
The Strategy will place play at the heart of early childhood development, with a focus on children from birth to eight while recognising the importance of play for all children and young people.
It responds to growing national and international recognition that play underpins children’s cognitive, physical, social and emotional health, and that governments have a role in enabling access to quality play across homes, early learning settings, schools, communities and public spaces, the Minister said.
The establishment of the committee marks the formal commencement of work on the WA Play Strategy.
“The WA Play Strategy is a landmark initiative that strengthens children’s right to play and affirms its vital importance across communities, schools, early childhood settings, and public spaces,” said Play Matters Collective chair, Dr Sandra Hesterman.
“Extensive evidence consistently demonstrates that high-quality play across its many diverse forms and contexts enhances children’s learning, wellbeing, creativity, resilience, social connections, and physical development, laying the foundation for lifelong success.
“The WA Government’s commitment to developing a Play Strategy reflects the long-standing leadership and sustained advocacy of a wide range of Western Australian organisations, educators, researchers, and families, all working to ensure that every child has the best possible opportunities to play, learn, and thrive.”
The strategy will complement key early childhood reforms including the free optional play-based full‑time kindergarten pilot program in Western Australian public schools, and workforce initiatives to strengthen the early childhood education sector.
Development of the Strategy will be led by the Office of Early Childhood, with the Advisory Committee ensuring the voices of experts, practitioners and the community help shape its direction.
Nature Play CEO, Dr Kelsie Prabawa-Sear welcomed the State Government’s commitment to recognising the importance of play.
“We know that outdoor play is essential for children’s physical health, mental wellbeing and development. Anything we can do to reverse the decline in outdoor play will have lasting benefits for children, families and communities across Western Australia,” she said.
“The establishment of the WA Play Strategy Advisory Committee is an important step in supporting and promoting the benefits of play. It will help encourage more children, families and schools to make play a regular part of everyday life.
“Play is more than just a break from learning. It is learning. Play helps children build confidence, develop social and emotional skills, and support their mental health and wellbeing.”
