- Almost $500,000 investment to benefit children’s wellbeing through outdoor play
- Supporting stronger bonds between children and their parents and carers
- Healthway funding to build more connected, resilient communities
The Cook Labor Government has invested $496,430 over three years to help more Western Australian children and their families connect with nature, strengthen wellbeing and build community connections.
With Healthway’s support, Nature Play WA will deliver the new Nature Play in the Park – Creative Connections 2026-2028, an arts-based initiative bringing together outdoor play and creativity to support children’s physical, mental and social wellbeing.
Creative Connections will deliver regular, accessible sessions during the school term in local parks across eight metropolitan local government areas, creating welcoming spaces where WA families can come together, play and connect.
Guided by a specialist environmental artist and educator, Creative Connections engage pre-school aged children in simple nature-based activities like unstructured creative play, dance and drama, to build confidence and curiosity, and encourage active outdoor play.
Nature Play WA will work with local governments to identify suitable park locations that support local public health priorities.
By bringing families together in shared local spaces, the initiative will build a sense of belonging, encourage social connections between parents and carers, and help create stronger, more supportive neighbourhoods.
Healthway is a State Government agency dedicated to health promotion and preventative health. For more information visit www.healthway.wa.gov.au .
As stated by Preventative Health and Early Childhood Minister Sabine Winton:
“This International Day of Play, the Cook Labor Government is investing in opportunities for families to slow down, spend time together and enjoy the benefits of being outdoors.
“When children play in nature, they don’t just have fun, they are building their confidence, developing social skills and forming a lifelong connection to the world around them.
“This initiative will create healthier, more resilient communities, where children can thrive and families feel supported.”
