WA Play Strategy Advisory Committee to meet for the first time

• 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 the WA Play Strategy 
• WA Play Strategy is part of the Cook Labor Government's commitment to giving every child the best possible start in life

Members of the newly formed WA Play Strategy Advisory Committee met for the first time today to begin their important work supporting the development of the Australian-first strategy.

The 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.  

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 Collective and Executive Lead Early Childhood Education, Murdoch University; 
• Associate Professor Fiona Boylan, Co-Chair of the Australian Early Childhood Teachers Education Network and Associate Dean Early Childhood Studies, Edith Cowan University; 
• Professor Hayley Christian AM, Head of Child Physical Activity, Health and Development, The Kids Research Institute Australia; 
• Annette Harwood, Chief Executive Officer, Playgroup WA; 
• Griffin Longley, Churchill Fellow and champion of outdoor play, Director Economic Dignity and Family Supports, Minderoo Foundation; 
• Professor Helen Milroy AM, 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 Institute Australia; 
• 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;
• Marcelle Saratsis, Play Matters Collective; 
• Tanya Steers, Chair, Early Childhood Australia WA Branch; and
• Chris Twomey, Leader of Policy and Research and Children's Policy Advisory Council, WA Council of Social Services.

The committee's work in support of the WA Play Strategy responds to growing national and international recognition that play underpins children's cognitive, physical, social, and emotional health. It recognises that governments have a role in enabling access to quality play across homes, early learning settings, schools, communities, and public spaces. 

Comments attributed to Early Childhood Minister Sabine Winton: 

"The WA Play Strategy Advisory Committee brings together sector and community leaders, experts, and advocates on early childhood development, health and education.

"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. 

"The Cook Labor Government believes Western Australia is the best place in the world to raise a family. We are committed to ensuring our youngest Western Australians have every advantage to grow, learn, and develop to their full potential - the WA Play Strategy is an important part of realising that goal." 

Comments attributed to WA Play Strategy Advisory Committee Chair Emily Hamilton MLA:

"As Chair of the WA Play Strategy Advisory Committee I am looking forward to working with this highly accomplished group to ensure Western Australia leads the nation in ensuring the youngest members of our community are given every opportunity to grow, thrive, and play."