VUPlay Mentor — Victoria University
Playwork Mentor
I support pre-service teachers undertaking community playwork placements across Brisbane. Together, we activate public spaces with loose parts, transforming ordinary community locations into temporary play environments where children are free to create, explore and direct their own play.
These pop-up playgrounds are offered at no cost to families and operate on a free-to-come-and-go basis, ensuring that access to play remains open, inclusive and responsive to the needs of the local community. Through this work, children are given time, space and permission to play on their own terms, while students gain firsthand experience of playwork in action.
Working alongside students from both Australia and overseas brings a rich diversity of perspectives, cultures and lived experiences to each activation. This exchange of ideas strengthens the playwork practice of everyone involved and demonstrates the value of community-based play as a tool for connection, belonging and social inclusion.
Through mentoring, I help future educators develop an understanding of children's right to play, the principles of playwork, and the importance of creating environments that support children's freedom, agency and creativity in public spaces.
