Origins of the WA Play Matters Collective

The Play Matters Collective (PMC) emerged from a shared commitment among teachers in schools, educators in early learning centres, advocates from key early childhood organisations, university researchers, and families who recognised the urgent need to protect and promote children’s right to play in Western Australia. Concerns had been growing since the 1990s that play—long understood as central to children’s wellbeing, learning, and development—was being diminished by increasing academic pressures, standardised expectations, and a narrowing of childhood experiences in early education settings.

 

The movement gained momentum in 2013, when WA advocates began meeting to share their observations, frustrations, and hopes for change. These discussions multiplied, strengthened by research evidence, professional dialogue, and global momentum generated by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (United Nations, 1989). What began as a grassroots initiative led by the Early Childhood Australia WA Branch evolved into a coordinated network focused on advocacy, policy influence, professional learning, and the publication of discussion papers to inform the wider community: https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Alliance-Discussion-Paper-2014.pdf and https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2016-ECA-WA-Play-Strategy-Discussion-Paper.pdf

 

In 2018, the Play Matters Collective was formally established by then Commissioner for Children and Young People, Mr Colin Pettit. Since then, it has been shaped through partnerships with individuals and organisations committed to elevating the status of play. Drawing inspiration from global play initiatives, the Collective has positioned itself as a driving force for raising the profile of play in public discourse and championing the message that play is not optional-it is essential.

 

Since 2023, sustained advocacy-through conversations with WA Commissioner for Children and Young People Ms Jacqueline McGowan-Jones (PMC Patron), government ministers, community events, and collaboration with citizens across diverse field- has contributed to major policy discussions about ensuring equitable access to high-quality play experiences in all environments where children and youth play.

 

On the second anniversary of the International Day of Play, 11 June 2025, The Honourable Sabine Winton MLA announced, to an elated audience, that together with the newly established Office of Early Childhood (within the Department of the Premier and Cabinet), a Western Australian Play Strategy will be developed commencing in 2026. Both the Minister and the Commissioner for Children and Young People have repeatedly highlighted the significance of introducing such a strategy.

 

The Play Matters Collective is deeply grateful to the many advocates who contributed to the work of the Early Childhood Australia WA Play Strategy Subcommittee (2014-2019) and, subsequently, the PMC Steering Committee (2019+). Their support strengthened the case for a WA Play Strategy, and their combined expertise, endurance, commitment, and passion have been instrumental to its success.

 

Western Australia is the first state in the country and the first jurisdiction in the southern hemisphere—to develop a government-led Play Strategy. Securing this commitment has taken more than a decade (2013–2025). Thank you to everyone whose belief in this vision made it possible.