Hindmarsh Park came alive on Wednesday, 22 January, as families flocked to Play Illawarra, a free event celebrating children, creativity and community.

An initiative by Healthy Cities Australia, the event showcased the importance of outdoor play and creative engagement for children – and adults – of all ages.

Michelle Barry, team leader for child health promotion at Healthy Cities and coordinator of the event, explained the initiative began after community feedback showed a need for a “central resource” for family-friendly activities.

In response, Healthy Cities created Play Illawarra – a playground directory for Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven, with a ‘What’s On’ calendar to keep families up to date with free, fun, playful community-based events.

“Since then, it’s really taken off,” says Barry.

To celebrate the directory, Hindmarsh Park was chosen as the perfect location for an event, which was funded by Kiama City Council’s Signature Grant.

“It’s one of our most beautiful playgrounds,” Barry says. “This event was about more than just fun. Outdoor play brings the community together and promotes health and wellbeing for children and adults alike.”

The day at Hindmarsh offered a range of activities and stations that kids could enjoy, including a popular “cardboard box city”, craft activities and a silent disco. “Probably playing K-pop,” Barry noted, smiling.

Children could dress up at a photo station and go home with their own Polaroid picture, try fresh fruit and vegetable creations with the local health district, enjoy martial arts demonstrations, or learn traditional Indigenous games.

Even the local Rotary Club joined in, providing free barbecues and smoothies for all attendees.

Barry, a social worker with almost five years at Healthy Cities, described the event as part of a global vision for child-friendly, healthy cities.

“I think the revitalisation of play is very much back on the agenda,” she says. “Our society is under a lot of stress, and we’re seeing higher levels of anxiety in both children and parents.”

She added: “Outdoor play events give families the chance to spend quality time together, follow the children’s lead, and enjoy all the health benefits of free, uninterrupted, creative play.”

Healthy Cities Australia, which runs Play Illawarra as part of its broader mission, also focuses on food security, clean air, urban planning and other factors that contribute to healthy communities.

With the success of Play Illawarra, families can look forward to more free, inclusive and playful events that bring the community together.

For more information, visit playillawarra.com.au