PLAYFUL, CONNECTED COMMUNITIES
Recognising the early years shape a lifetime, and families, communities, and dedicated support networks are central to every child’s development, Play Matters Australia has officially launched its 2025–2028 Strategic Plan.
The strategy follows an extensive and inclusive consultation process involving team members, volunteers, children and their families, community partners, and funders, ensuring the voices that matter most are at the heart of the organisation’s future direction.
Board Chair Professor Kate Williams hosted the online launch, welcoming over 50 Play Matters stakeholders, including a diverse array of board members, team members, volunteers and voting members.
“This plan is about deepening our impact. It’s about consolidating our strengths and really maturing our systems, our approaches to quality and delivering excellence in everything we do with consistency, intentionality, clarity and alignment,” Professor Williams said.
“We heard from our stakeholders we are trusted and welcoming, community-connected, safe, inclusive, responsive, relational and joyful. This is a powerful recognition of who we are and what we already do. We are often seen as the soft entry point for families who are navigating incredibly complex systems.
“Play Matters Australia are often that first door that opens for families and a place where connection begins, confidence is built and families really feel like they belong,” she said.
Professor Williams also reaffirmed Play Matters commitment to remaining a consistent, responsive and safe place for families to land.
“In this crowded and complex system, we promise to create joyful, welcoming spaces, resources and services where every young person and adult feels supported and every community has access to the power of play and connection.”
“This strategic plan doesn’t change who we are, it defines us more clearly, amplifies our purpose and strengthens our commitment to playful, connected communities.”
Chief Executive Officer Penny Creamer thanked the organisation for its ongoing work and emphasised that the strategic plan guides the story of who Play Matters Australia is, what it stands for and the impact it will have on children and families over the next three years.
“We are already doing so much of this work. It’s about consolidation and strengthening what we have, while addressing the challenges ahead.
“We are creating a clear line of sight between purpose, vision and values and how we operationalise these across our teams and programs at national, state and regional levels. The strategy is embedded in how we work every day.”
“This is not a static document, it will evolve, adapt and grow as we learn. The common thread is how we communicate this through everything we do and every interaction with the communities we serve.
“Play Matters Australia can confidently share our story and champion the message of enriching lives through the power of play and connection.”
ENDS
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