Play School Talks: Communicating Big Ideas Through Imagination and Play

Vanessa is one of Australia’s most renowned wildlife scientists. Her research uses innovative technologies for wildlife conservation, working collaboratively across marine (whales)/terrestrial environments and merging cutting edge tech to access animals in unique ways.

She’s raising community awareness of Australia’s marine environment across all ages and backgrounds using an eclectic mix of platforms, including mainstream and social media, engaging with First Nations communities, school visits, books (2 children's/1 adult book) and television programs for children. Her communication is grounded in 15 years of innovative research.

Vanessa is a passionate and experienced science communicator who is empowering the next generation to take up STEAM based careers.

Kate Highfield is an experienced teacher, teacher educator and researcher, currently Head of the School of Teacher Education at the University of Canberra. Kate’s work explores effective technology and media integration and use, with a focus on potential impacts on learning (for adults and children), pedagogy and play. Methodologically, Kate has specialised in co-design, developing effective partnerships and research translation. This work examines digital play, technology integration and how healthy media use can be used as a tool to enhance learning.

Chelsey O’Brien is the lead curator of Play School: Come and Play! She is also a part of the curatorial team that developed the permanent exhibition The Story of the Moving Image. She has been working in museums, galleries, and with contemporary artists for 15 years both in Australia and the US across on a variety of large-scale exhibitions and artist-led projects.

Chelsey is a curious, playful, practical and hands-on curator with a keen interest in working in multidisciplinary contexts that encourage collaboration and critical dialogue around contemporary culture.

Leah is an Australian/South Asian actor, writer and voice-artist with an extensive body of work. Her most cherished role is as a Play School host, writer and actor, a position she has proudly held for over two decades. Leah also contributes as a writer on the program and released an EP featuring songs and nursery rhymes in Hindi, Punjabi and English. While completing her Masters in International and Community Development, Leah designed Tree House Cubby, an online program creating a joyful,inclusive space where children from migrant and refugee backgrounds could explore imaginary worlds, play and connect during this time of profound isolation.