Let’s Play!
Sounds simple, doesn’t it? “Kids, it’s time to play,” and off they go. But it’s not that simple for a lot of kids across Australia.
So, we’ve been talking to our kids and families to understand more about how our kids are playing.
The State of Play report will be released in December 2021. To get your copy, sign up below.
Why we need to understand the Australian State of Play
Play matters and no-one, no matter their age, ability, culture, race or gender should ever be excluded from their right to play.
When kids play, play together and play in the community the benefits are astounding. Every child needs this. Kids denied play opportunities are missing key milestones like:
Development: It promotes all types of learning including problem-solving, working together, imagination and creativity, gross motor skills, risk mitigation and social skills.
Health and wellbeing: Active kids are exercising their bodies and minds, which is particularly important as obesity levels continue to rise and mental health issues escalate.
Participation: Play is a fundamental right of every child. It allows children to participate together, to make choices and take risks regardless of social and cultural differences.
Intergenerational relationships: Play helps strengthen family bonds and promotes healthy life choices.
Connection to community: Public spaces make play accessible for all, giving everyone a sense of belonging in their community.
Breaking down barriers: Public play spaces where we all feel safe, valued and belong together create thriving diverse communities.
What is Variety going to do with the information?
Variety is passionate about working with communities to make access to inclusive playspaces a reality for kids across Australia.
This survey is vitally important to understand and address the barriers to play.
Variety will collate the information and publish the State of Play survey findings so we can help initiate change to become more play focused in planning and funding for our kids.
The findings also provide useful insights to ensure Variety Livvi’s Place projects and work with play makers respond to the current play situation in Australia.
To receive the State of Play survey findings when released later this year, join our mailing list.
Learn about Variety Livvi’s Place Join our mailing listLearn more about Variety Livvi’s Place
A Variety Livvi’s Place is an inclusive playspace for all kids to play together.
Variety Livvi’s Place playspaces lead the way in promoting inclusive play and ensure all kids can play, learn and live together.
Community led in design, we talk to our kids, families and all in the local community to create intergenerational, bespoke playspaces that are owned and loved by all. They become thriving family and community destinations where all are welcome, included and feel they belong.
Our Inclusive Play team works to a unique model based on partnership, bringing together communities, government and corporate Australia to deliver community spaces that change the way our society plays.