It’s Big Ted’s Diamond Jubilee and everyone is invited to the party.
(Just don’t ask him about the work he’s had done. He’s bashful like that.)
But seriously, it’s great to see the show – which has offered many Aussie performers a unique opportunity to hone their craft while entertaining and educating little Australians – celebrated across the ABC. That Australian Story episode will be quite the walk down memory lane.
From the press release:
The ABC is thrilled to celebrate Play School’s 60th anniversary on Saturday 18 July. The beloved show is Australia’s longest-running children’s program and has connected with generations of Australian families since its first broadcast in 1966.
To mark the anniversary, there will be an exciting lineup of content across the ABC celebrating the extraordinary impact of Play School.
Melinda Wearne, ABC Head of Children and Family said:
“For 60 years, Play School has been a cherished part of Australian childhoods, bringing creativity, music and trusted entertainment to families across the country. This enduring legacy is a testament to the care that goes into making the program and we’re incredibly proud to continue creating innovative and joyful content into the future.”
To mark the anniversary, Play School’s latest series, Party Animals, will launch on Monday 13 July on ABC iview with a new episode airing daily from 13–17 July on ABC Kids. Each episode features a different themed party where the presenters and toys create invitations for friends, make decorations, cook delicious party food, dress up in fantastic costumes and play lots of fun party games.
On Monday 6 July, Australian Story will offer audiences a rare behind-the-scenes look at the making of Play School, from development through to studio recording. The episode weaves the creative process together with reflections on Play School’s rich 60-year history, featuring interviews with current and past presenters and producers including Jay Laga’aia, Don Spencer, Rhys Muldoon, Simon Burke, Miah Madden and Justine Clarke.
As part of the 60th anniversary celebrations, a nation-wide competition for children to design their own Play School toy last month saw over 9,700 entries. The winning design will be professionally created by the Play School team, featured in an episode of Play School airing in October 2026, and gifted to its young creator.
And finally, to celebrate Play School‘s birthday with a party like no other, a brand-new album, There’s A Rave In There, launches on Friday 26 June. The album takes well-loved Play School songs and transforms them into high-energy dance tracks that light up the floor for kids and grown-ups alike. Produced by Kristy Lee Peters, this album is all about fun, energy and most of all – dancing.
