Presented alongside the exhibition PLAY: The Language of Childhood, this panel brings together a multidisciplinary panel of experts from education, play therapy, cultural heritage and museum studies, and psychology. This engaging conversation will offer an opportunity to explore the exhibition themes from multiple perspectives and participate in an audience Q&A. 
 

Panellists 

We welcome an esteemed panel:  

• Dr Gwenda Davey AM – Eminent folklore researcher, children’s activist, and former teacher, lecturer and counsellor in child development and psychology 

• Dr Natalie Hadiprodjo – Senior Lecturer, Play Therapy, Deakin University 

• Dr Judith Gomes – Lecturer, Early Childhood Education, Deakin University 

• Judy McKinty - Independent children’s play researcher (Master of Cultural Heritage, Deakin University)

• And facilitated by Pip Minney – Library Exhibitions Curator, Deakin University 
   

Whether you are an educator, parent, student, researcher, cultural practitioner or simply curious about the enduring significance of play, this discussion provide a unique perspective on play and its impact on learning, wellbeing, creativity, memory and social connection. 

Register to attend
 

Experience PLAY

At its heart, PLAY foregrounds play for plays sake, while also reflecting on how it has evolved across generations and continues to shape learning and wellbeing today. Visitors are encouraged to pause, participate, and rediscover the simple pleasure of play. 

From historic children’s books in Deakin Library Special Collections to material from June Factor’s Folk Toy Collection and current research in early childhood and play therapy, the exhibition highlights play as both joy and learning, nostalgia and discovery. It incorporates a thoughtful and engaging collection of images, objects, sound, text and interactive experiences. 

Engage with the PLAY exhibition. On display at Deakin University Library Burwood Gallery space until 11 October 2026.

 

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