Messy Play Matters 2023 concludes, with seven signature events being run across QLD

Messy Play Matters 2023 has concluded, with organiser Play Matters Australia having hosted seven signature events across Queensland to encourage children and families to engage in and embrace the joys of messy play. 

Each event invited children and families to join in a day of free activities including gloop, colour mixing, sand play, edible mud and more, supporting and promoting the value of messy play. Over 3,000 families got involved at the events, which ran in Brisbane, Mt Isa, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast, Redlands, Ipswich and Cairns. 

“These events are more than just messy, they are opportunities to bring the community together, and to celebrate play and culture,” a Play Matters spokesperson said. 

“There were many highlights to these events, including the Yarrabah Dancers at Messy Play Matters: Cairns.”

Play Matters Australia has been working closely with the Yarrabah community and its community stakeholders for almost four years to deliver evidence-based playgroup programs with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, and worked closely with Elders in communities across Queensland to inform its Reflect RAP, and support the journey to reconciliation.  

“It was an honour to have the Yarrabah dancers be such a significant part of our event,” the spokesperson added. 

Although Messy Play May has come to an end, there is always time, and resources, to engage in messy play at home, in early childhood services, or at playgroup. 

Play Matters Australia are always looking for ways to support play and host a number of great resources for parents, carers and facilitators, on the Play Matters Australia website, including activity sheets, tutorial videos, blog posts and other ideas.