ProgramPhotosPapers | Playgroup Australia hosted its inaugural national conference from 5-7 November 2009 at the Royal Pines Resort on Queensland's Gold Coast. The theme for the conference was ‘The Power of Play', with a focus on the importance of play in early childhood. More than 230 delegates attended the conference from all over Australia and overseas, with a mix of playgroup staff and members, early childhood professionals, students and sponsors/exhibitors. The papers presented at the conference called for better understanding and representation of play and its importance in the early years not only for the child, but for the parent, families and early childhood professionals. Keynote speakers addressed the importance of play in all its forms to encourage and facilitate positive development with children's peers, parents, families and community. There was compelling discussion on the community and government responsibility to provide opportunities to play, from implementing the national Early Years Learning Framework to building sustainable and engaging playground areas. Discussion was also stimulated concerning government policies on play and not making the mistakes of other countries around the world where play based learning is often overlooked. “The calibre of keynote speakers and presenters was fantastic and the extensive media coverage on radio, television and in newspapers showed that the wider community is interested in the importance of play and the role of playgroups in making it available to all families and children.” Karen Merange, Playgroup Australia Chief Executive Officer |
