Maribyrnong council has been named a finalist for the 2023 Victorian Early Year Awards, celebrating the work of the early childhood sector.
In partnership with Footscray Primary School, council developed the Passport to Play Project which was designed to build community connections post-pandemic.
Council said the aim was to deliver opportunities that allowed children to share their views on what they liked to do in their local neighbourhoods.
More than 400 children aged 2-11 years were asked three core questions ,where do you like to play, what do you like to play and with whom do you like to play?
The data was used to develop the Passport to Play resource, an interactive passport-sized booklet to support children’s development and encourage play.
It identifies play ideas that children and families can enjoy together and maps their favourite play venues.
Passport to Play showcases the numerous ways children can actively explore through play, including being in nature and involvement with animals.
The interactive format also invites children to mark their favourite places to play on the Maribyrnong map, and draw images illustrating the play activities they enjoy and who they enjoy playing with.
A range of in-person workshops were held with children aged up to 12 from various cultural backgrounds within the municipality to help guide the development of the resource and bring it to life.
Maribyrnong mayor Sarah Carter said, “We are excited to share that Council’s Passport to Play resource has been named as a finalist in the Victorian Early Years Awards.
“The awards celebrate the remarkable work that early childhood professionals do every day to improve learning outcomes of children across Victoria.
“It is an honour to recognise collaboration and co-design that went into developing the resource, with over 400 children from across the municipality participating in the development of this great resource, that encourages interactive play and community connection.”
