WA is Way Ahead on Play: Toy Libraries and the WA Play Strategy
Local play champions for more than 50 years: toy libraries belong in the WA Play Strategy.
WA might sometimes be accused of doing things in its own time. We’ve all heard the suggestion that WA stands for “Wait Awhile”. But when it comes to putting play on the government’s agenda, WA is leading the pack. We’re calling it: WA = Way Ahead.
The WA Government is developing Australia’s first government-led Play Strategy, recognising the importance of play for children’s wellbeing, learning and development. That is something worth celebrating.
At Toy Libraries Australia, we’re pleased to see this leadership, and we are keen to help shape the strategy, with three clear outcomes that would support more families to bring play home.
Play champions for more than 50 years
Toy libraries have been part of Australian communities for more than 50 years. Here in WA, Fremantle Toy Library recently celebrated its 50th birthday. Across the state in metro, regional and remote locations generations of families have borrowed toys, shared ideas and discovered new ways to play together.
We also delight to see new toy libraries open across the state with Carey Park CPC opening their Little Toy Library this year, and Broome Toy Library in the thick of planning to open doors early in 2027.
The people running toy libraries are true play champions. Some bring professional knowledge of children’s play, learning and development. Others bring their experience as parents, carers and toy library members. They know the joy and value of play through lived experience of play in their own homes, and they care enough to help other families experience it too.
Across WA, volunteers give hours every week to welcome families, care for shared toys and keep these community services going. Their knowledge, generosity and commitment help families find toys that grow with their children’s interests and abilities, discover new ways to play and connect with their community.
As the WA Play Strategy takes shape, toy libraries offer both people worth listening to and community infrastructure worth strengthening. Our local toy libraries are filled with play champions who understand what helps families play and what gets in the way. Drawing on their experience and backing the services they run would help bring more play into homes and communities across WA.
Why toy libraries belong in the strategy
Home and community are a child’s first learning environments. Playing with parents, carers, siblings and kin creates everyday opportunities to explore, communicate and build relationships.
Toy libraries make varied play more affordable and help parents feel confident supporting their children. Think Impact’s independent national analysis, published in December 2025, estimated $4.22 in social value for every $1 invested in toy libraries. When only monetary inputs are counted, that rises to $11 in social value for every $1 invested, highlighting the contribution of volunteers.
Among 300 parent and carer members surveyed as part of this independent research, 95% reported saving money by buying fewer toys, and 77% felt more confident supporting their child’s development.
If the WA Play Strategy were a game of Monopoly, investing in toy libraries would be a little like drawing “Advance to GO — collect $200”.
There is already a network to build on, with shared resources supporting family budgets, parent confidence and more opportunities for children to play. That’s a winning card for WA families.
How the strategy can back this established community infrastructure and the people who make it work, helping more families bring play home.
Three outcomes we would like to see
Recognise home as a key setting for play: value and support the play that happens in everyday family life, alongside play in early learning settings, schools and public spaces.
Recognise toy libraries as community infrastructure supporting play, parent confidence and connection: build on established local services and the practical knowledge of the people who run them.
Strengthen equitable access to toy libraries: help more families participate, particularly those facing financial, disability-related or other barriers. Support for affordable memberships, inclusive services and communities without a toy library would turn this outcome into action.
Congratulations on the WA government on taking the first steps to be Way Ahead on play, development of the strategy is an exciting start.
Helping more children experience more play in their homes and communities is an outcome we would love to help deliver.
Read our statement:
Have your say through the WA government survey: Contribute to the WA Play Strategy consultation by 11 November 2026. Share what helps your family play, including your local toy library and the play that happens at home.
