- WA Play Strategy Advisory Committee meet for the first time today to guide WA’s Australian-first Play Strategy
- Experts from across sectors will contribute to development of theWA Play Strategy
- WA Play Strategyis part of the Cook Labor Government’s commitment to giving every child the best possible start in life
Members of thenewly formedWA Play Strategy Advisory Committee met for the first time today tobegin theirimportant worksupporting the developmentofthe Australian-first strategy.
Thecommittee brings together extensiveexpertiseacross research,practice,and advocacy, with members who have long contributed to improving outcomes for children and families in Western Australia and beyond.
The Committee Chair is Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Early Childhood, Emily Hamilton MLA.
The members of the WA Play Strategy Advisory Committee are:
- Associate Professor Sandra Hesterman(Deputy Chair),Play Matters CollectiveandExecutive Lead Early Childhood Education,Murdoch University;
- Associate Professor Fiona Boylan,Co-Chair of the AustralianEarly Childhood Teachers Education NetworkandAssociate Dean Early Childhood Studies, Edith Cowan University;
- Professor Hayley ChristianAM, Head of Child Physical Activity, Health and Development, The KidsResearch InstituteAustralia;
- Annette Harwood, Chief Executive Officer, Playgroup WA;
- Griffin Longley,Churchill Fellowand champion of outdoor play, Director Economic Dignity and Family Supports, Minderoo Foundation;
- Professor Helen MilroyAM,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 InstituteAustralia;
- 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;
- MarcelleSaratsis, Play Matters Collective;
- Tanya Steers, Chair, Early Childhood Australia WA Branch;and
- Chris Twomey,Leader of Policy and ResearchandChildren’s Policy Advisory Council, WA Council of Social Services.
The committee’s workin support of theWA Play Strategy responds to growing national and international recognition that play underpins children’s cognitive, physical,social,and emotional health. It recognisesthat governments have a role in enabling access to quality play across homes, early learning settings, schools,communities,and public spaces.
As stated by Early Childhood Minister Sabine Winton:
“TheWA Play Strategy Advisory Committee brings together sector and community leaders, experts, and advocates on early childhooddevelopment,healthandeducation.
“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.
“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.
“TheCook Labor Governmentbelieves Western Australia is the best place in the world to raise a family. We are committed to ensuring our youngest WesternAustralians have every advantage to grow, learn, and develop to their full potential – the WA Play Strategy is an important part of realising that goal.”
Commentsattributed to WA Play Strategy Advisory Committee ChairEmily Hamilton MLA:
“As Chair of the WA Play Strategy Advisory CommitteeI am looking forward to working with this highly accomplished group to ensureWestern Australia leadsthe nationin ensuring the youngest members of our communityare given every opportunity to grow, thrive, and play.”
