At a school in Eagleby, Queensland, something unusual has happened, led by Principal Andrew Principal Barnes. As schools across Australia grappled with rising behavioural challenges, declining wellbeing, increasing screen use, and growing concerns about childhood mental health, Eagleby South State School chose a different path. Instead of introducing more controls, more rules, or more behaviour programs, they gave children something simple: More freedom to play. The results surprised...

In Eagleby, Queensland, where the Albert and Logan Rivers meet on Yugambeh Country, something remarkable is happening. Logo designed by Local Fist Nations Playworker - Tyana Skimmings Every afternoon, children run into a two-acre play space filled with trees, dirt mounds, forts, swings, and loose parts. To many, it looks like a fun place to play. But for local First Nations families, it has become much more than that. It has become a place of safety, acceptance, belonging, cultural practice...

Rethinking childhood, creativity, and community through the lens of play By Gabrielle Ivinson - Professor of Education and Community, Education and Social Research Institute, Manchester Metropolitan University. This is a full record of the interview with Professor Ivinson in creation of the Neighbourhood Backyard documentary. Gabrielle shares her beautiful, compelling and insights narrative into the depth of what children are getting from a space such as Joomunjie Land. We started with the...