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Messy day offers kids plenty of activities

Tari JeffersManjimup-Bridgetown Times
Manjimup five-year-old Lincon Adam gets hands-on painting a t-shirt as part of the Messy Play Day at the Manjimup Timber Park on Thursday.
Camera IconManjimup five-year-old Lincon Adam gets hands-on painting a t-shirt as part of the Messy Play Day at the Manjimup Timber Park on Thursday. Credit: Tari Jeffers

Children from around the region got their hands dirty as the Warren-Blackwood Early Years Network put on its annual Messy Play Day.

The event was held on Thursday at the Manjimup Timber Park and included about 20 groups providing a variety of activities.

Michael Smith, of Manjimup, and his grandson Burhan Ashraf 5.
Camera IconMichael Smith, of Manjimup, and his grandson Burhan Ashraf 5. Credit: Tari Jeffers

Shire of Manjimup community development officer Sharon Wilkinson said the idea of “messy play” was to encourage sensory play.

“Sensory play are games and activities that engage the five senses,” she said.

Sharni Harris and her daughter Amara Farr, 3, of Manjimup.
Camera IconSharni Harris and her daughter Amara Farr, 3, of Manjimup. Credit: Tari Jeffers

“By doing this, we’re showing parents messy play can be easy and inexpensive.”

Mrs Wilkinson said the day was also about giving parents somewhere to take their young children.

Ariella Phillips, 6, of Denmark, Isabella Milentis, 3, of Busselton, and Sandon, 11, and Rory Phillips, 4, both of Denmark.
Camera IconAriella Phillips, 6, of Denmark, Isabella Milentis, 3, of Busselton, and Sandon, 11, and Rory Phillips, 4, both of Denmark. Credit: Tari Jeffers

Activities on the day included bubble wrap painting, rainbow rice, nature wands, bubble painting, slime, glitter glue painting and visits from emergency services including firefighters and St John Ambulance volunteers.

The first 120 children who attended the event also received a free children’s book.

Sam Maggio and her son Ryan Jones, 3, both of Golden Bay, with Charis Rich and her daughter Alicia Bilecki, 3, both of Manjimup.
Camera IconSam Maggio and her son Ryan Jones, 3, both of Golden Bay, with Charis Rich and her daughter Alicia Bilecki, 3, both of Manjimup. Credit: Tari Jeffers

“We’re encouraging reading with children, which helps with their development and parent-child bonding,” Mrs Wilkinson said.

Hannah Bailey, 6, of Manjimup.
Camera IconHannah Bailey, 6, of Manjimup. Credit: Tari Jeffers
Brynnlee Drake, 2, of Manjimup.
Camera IconBrynnlee Drake, 2, of Manjimup. Credit: Tari Jeffers
William, 2, and Florence Worthington, 4, both of Bridgetown.
Camera IconWilliam, 2, and Florence Worthington, 4, both of Bridgetown. Credit: Tari Jeffers
Shyloh Western, 4, and Keira Harris, 4, both of Manjimup.
Camera IconShyloh Western, 4, and Keira Harris, 4, both of Manjimup. Credit: Tari Jeffers
Isla, 5, and Rose Larsen, 2, both of Manjimup.
Camera IconIsla, 5, and Rose Larsen, 2, both of Manjimup. Credit: Tari Jeffers
Chloe Davidson, 8, of Perth.
Camera IconChloe Davidson, 8, of Perth. Credit: Tari Jeffers

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