Playing Out Conference
Bush Kindy Australia, FNQ and Outside Play Advocates partner to bring you a unique professional development conference.
Workshop Details
Upcoming Dates
Cairns (QLD):
Friday 17th July 2026
Early Bird $290
NOTE: This is the per person price booked BEFORE June 1st, 2026. Contact us to discuss your group inservice and customised booking requirements.
Standard $320
NOTE: This is the per person price booked AFTER June 1st, 2026. Contact us to discuss your group inservice and customised booking requirements.
About the workshop
Join us in Cairns, Far North Queensland for Playing Out, a dynamic professional learning day designed to inspire educators, play advocates, and community leaders to rethink the possibilities of play.
This unique event blends theory and hands-on practice, exploring the theme “Reimagining Play – Challenging Limits & Creating Possibility.” Together we will unpack the barriers that restrict play and discover practical ways to create richer, more adventurous opportunities for children.
Featuring special guest speakers Angus Gorrie and Isaih Tueta (The Outsiders), Jonny Marshall (FNQ Nature Quest), and Bec Burch and Hannah Powell (Bush Kindy Australia), the day will ignite ideas through thought-provoking discussions, real-world examples, and engaging outdoor experiences. Other guest speakers will also share insights, discussions and hot topics.
The day will cover
“Theory” Session Topics include:
Managing risk – navigating limitations, regulations
When Nature Brings Us Back to “Just Play”
Flow Pedagogy supporting play
“Practical” Session Topics include:
Divergent thinking – hands on practical session of play in nature
Nature: The Original Playground for Growing Bodies – practical whole body fun
Designing play spaces outdoors
Optional extra sessions early in the morning including:
Mindfulness in nature
Yoga
Rock climbing ($25 pp extra)
End of day connect session – networking and drinks and optional shared dinner.
What to expect
Camping Onsite available on 16th and 17th July with option to hire all equipment if required. Please email info@fnqnaturequest.com for more information.
Morning tea, Lunch, afternoon tea and tea/coffee/juice provided.
Optional extra – Network dinner at Red Beret
Come ready to connect, reflect, and be inspired to champion play in your community.
Guest Speakers
