Neighbourhood Backyards Documentary 'NZ PREMIERE' 'PLAY WEEK 2026'

'NEIGHBOURHOOD BACKYARDS' Documentary screening

NZ Premiere - PLAY WEEK 2026

Rebuilding Childhood, One Neighbourhood at a Time

Hosted by: Play Preservation Trust, International Play Association Conference - Christchurch, Play Australia and the Australian Institute of Play.

Join us for the NZ PLAY WEEK 2026 screening of Neighbourhood Backyard's.

This is an inspiring and thought provoking documentary celebrating the importance of play, connection, and child-friendly communities.

This special event brings together community leaders, advocates, families, researchers, and practitioners to explore how neighbourhoods can support children’s rights, wellbeing, and development through meaningful opportunities for play and belonging.

Supported by the local play advocates 'Play Preservation Trust', International Play Association Conference - Christchurch. Play Australia and the Australian Institute of Play, wrapping up 2026 Children's Week - NZ.

The evening will feature the documentary screening, followed by a panel session with local New Zealand Play Advocates to explore how investing in play and connection can help create healthier, more vibrant neighbourhoods for future generations and learn about the development of a similar 'Backyard' initiative in Ōtautahi Christchurch

Be part of this inspiring conversation about building communities where children can thrive, play, and have their voices heard.

Audience Feedback:

★★★★★ "This film presents a big picture vision with a simple solution sitting right under our nose. It shows how any community can harness the power of neighbourhood connection to create opportunities for children to experience simple micro moments of joy, over and over and over again."

★★★★★ "A story of hope and possibility for our children."

★★★★★ "Neighbourhood Backyards is a must watch for anyone who cares about children."

★★★★★ "Packs a punch and shows how to make a positive change for children. It all starts in our neighbourhoods.

Co-produced and directed by Element Photo & Video Productions & Australian Institute of Play

"THIS ISN'T JUST PLAY, IT'S A COMEBACK STORY"

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“It started with a local space for play… and grew into something the world has been missing.”​ Hyahno Moser - CEO Australian Institute of Play.

About the Neighbourhood Backyard project:

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As childhood play disappears behind screens and indoors, and our communities become more isolated, a simple idea has been quietly reconnecting neighbourhoods.

Neighbourhood Backyards is a real-world experiment of giving kids a local communal space and getting out of the way – and asks what happens to our communities when kids, not adults, are given the freedom to lead.

The evidence is powerful. Parents describe transformative outcomes for their children.

• Tyana, a local champion, First Nations Playworker and parent, says simply: "It's changed kids' lives… it keeps kids off the streets" and describes the space as "a lifesaver for them." 

• Children themselves articulate the impact in striking ways. Isla reflects: "Without Joomunjie Land, I never would have even thought about ever becoming a school captain." She also describes it as a place where she can leave difficult experiences behind: "If I was having a bad day, I could come and just forget about it." 

• The documentary is further strengthened by many expert voices who frame these personal stories within a broader social context. Principal Commissioner Luke Twyford from the Queensland Family and Children's Commission reminds us that "The right to play is actually a United Nations right of a child" and argues that "The more each neighbourhood finds its Joomunjie Lands, the better we'll all be." 

• School Principal Andrew Barnes speaks to the urgency of the issue, observing that "That sort of freedom, that sort of play has gone completely missing on our watch," while warning that "The biggest risk we could ever take is not allowing children to engage in this kind of play." 

• Researcher Associate Professor Divna Haslam describes play as "a public health imperative" and explains that "Play serves a fundamental need for us to interpret the world and live in relation to other people." Also observing a 50% decline in play over a generation.

• Dr Geraldine Harris brings the conversation back to what it means to be human, saying " Play is the way children understand their world" and, most powerfully, "To play is to be human, and to be human is to play." 

SYNOPSIS:

Across quiet suburbs in Queensland, Australia, local communities are growing a powerful story over the last few years—one of laughter, freedom, health and wellbeing, and a generation rediscovering what it means to truly play. Now, that story is being captured.

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'Neighbourhood Backyards' is documenting real families, real communities, and real moments of transformation. From the first tentative steps of connection to the vibrant energy of children filling these spaces with life, this story brings us closer to something extraordinary for us all.

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This is more than a documentary—it’s a movement coming into focus.

​Soon, you’ll witness the joy, the challenges, and the quiet magic of these neighbourhoods coming back to life. The kind of moments that embed in your childhood memory, formative, and stay with you. This is the kind of story that invites you to see your own community differently.

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Soon the screen will light up with childhood magic.

And when it does, you may never look your neighbourhood the same way again!​​

ARRIVE 5.45pm am for 6.00pm START

Session includes:

• Feature film

• Q&A Panel

CONCLUDES 8.00PM with social networking in the foyer

This film is a crowd-funded success. Thanks to all who generously donated, specially Salvation Army Communities for Children - Logan, Uniting Care QLD, Logan Together, Super Cool Asia Pacific, The Way They Play, The Outsiders Play Advocates, Logan City Council and Bush Kindy Teaching