All welcome!
AFTER SCHOOL
3:30 - 5:30
The 'Venny'
What is "The Venny"?
'The Venny' is the name of a charitable organisation who operate playgrounds that serve as communal backyards and safe spaces for children aged 5 to 16.
Our playgrounds offer a space where kids can engage in risk-taking play, creativity and connectedness with other young people.
What's it like?
Backyards where kids can crawl through tunnels, play with animals, walk on stilts, hide in castles in the air, jump on trampolines, dig the veggie patch, cook a nutritious meal, climb trees and sing at the tops of their voices.
It’s fun, it’s creative, it’s messy, and it’s a little bit chaotic. But it’s exactly what childhood should be.
Come and go as you like.
The Venny is free for the community to access. You are free to choose what you do in the space. You are free to come and go as you like.
Our Model
Hands of support
We support children and families. We help fill gaps in systems when they appear. We connect with community, schools, support agencies, families to provide a wrap-around support network. This can include practical assistance such as food, education supplies, uniforms, clothes and support to access cultural experiences like music, dance and sport.
Heart of play work
Play work is at the heart of what we do. We have been providing risk-taking play opportunities to children and young people for over 40 years. Our practice is based on Playwork principles and has been developed over the past 40 years. Our staff are play workers and we use play is our daily practice.
Home for children
We are the backyard of public housing. We provide the rhythms and rituals of a home. We are a place to gather and witness each other’s lives. We are a green space with animals and provide children with the opportunity to play, connect and learn. Our playground has been built with and by the community. Play sessions in Kensington are free through the support from The City of Melbourne and all are welcome.