Healthy Cities Australia: Child Health Promotion Update, Celebrating Play, Connection, and Community 

As we reflect on the recent Child Protection Week in September and Children’s Week in October, it’s clear that this has been a powerful season of advocacy and action for children across Australia. With 5.8 million children in our nation, and 1 in 6 living in poverty, the need to prioritise their wellbeing has never been more urgent. Alarming statistics show that 1 in 3 young people aged 12–17 report high or very high levels of mental distress, and 44% have had negative experiences online. These figures underscore the importance of fostering connection and social-emotional wellbeing in our communities. 

Play as a Pillar of Wellbeing 

At the heart of this year’s 11th South Coast Child Wellbeing Conference was a resounding message: play matters. Play is not just a pastime—it’s a fundamental pillar of child development and wellbeing. The conference opened with an energising keynote from Quill of Junkyard Rascals, who reminded us that play is essential not only for children but also for adults working in high-stress environments. Her talk on “loose parts” play highlighted how everyday items—and nature itself—can be the most powerful educational tools, far surpassing many manufactured toys. 

Lisa Kevin, Director of Early Start at the University of Wollongong, further explored how play enhances the pillars of wellbeing and builds connected, resilient communities. This message resonated deeply with our own experiences at Healthy Cities Australia. 

Let’s Play Kanahooka: Real-World Impact 

Our recent Let’s Play Kanahooka event brought these ideas to life. Over 200 children and families came together to cook, play, and connect. The joy was palpable, and the outcomes were meaningful—mothers shared contact details, built new friendships, and felt empowered through conversations about their children’s health. You can catch a glimpse of the magic on our Facebook page. 

Community Creativity and Cultural Connection 

We were also honoured to witness Between Two Creeks, a moving production by the Bundaleer community’s children, supported by Edu Play and Coequal. This video beautifully captures the evolution of a housing estate and the enduring role of play as a protective factor in community life. Our Active In-Betweens program has proudly supported this community weekly for the past eight years. 

Another highlight was the Dharwal Deadly program, which showcased the incredible work happening at Koonawarra Primary School. Through shared learning and a community-led art activity, we saw firsthand the power of cultural connection and creativity in promoting child wellbeing. 

The conference concluded with a heartwarming message from the Fathering Project: “Families who play together stay together.” It was a day filled with inspiration, connection, and renewed commitment to supporting children and families in the Illawarra and beyond. 

National Recognition and Global Conversations 

Play Illawarra was proudly featured at the recent Healthy Cities Alliance meeting, where delegates from across the country shared progress on the WHO Healthy Cities Initiatives. We also had the opportunity to present our evaluations and insights from Active In-Betweens and Play Illawarra at the National Australian Public Health Conference—an invaluable space for learning and collaboration. 

Active In-Betweens: A Record-Breaking Term 

Our evidence-based Active In-Betweens program for children aged 8–12 continues to thrive. Last term, we welcomed a record-breaking 1,010 attendees! This term, in celebration of Children’s Week, participants enjoyed an interactive scavenger hunt and are gearing up to support UNICEF’s World Children’s Day on November 20th with a joyful “Minute of Loudness.” 

At Healthy Cities Australia, we believe that the safety and wellbeing of children are foundational to building healthy people and healthy communities. We remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering programs that uplift, empower, and connect our youngest citizens. 

Let’s keep playing, connecting, and advocating, because every child deserves a healthy future. 

Michelle Barry – Team Leader Child Health Promotion