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Minds At Play

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Sydney, NSW
Minds At Play

Minds at Play-Fostering communication and social interaction through imagination and play.

Fostering communication and social interaction through imagination and play.

29/05/2026

Teamwork really does make the dream work

Starting Skyblock with nothing but a sapling, a bit of dirt, ice, and lava, our Minecraft social group set out with a shared goal-and a lot of trust in each other.

Fast forward, and the island is thriving, shaped through communication, problem‑solving, and collective decision‑making.

Watching participants collaborate, plan, and celebrate each milestone feels like watching a little world come to life in the sky .

A powerful reminder of what’s possible when everyone contributes their strengths.
https://mindsatplay.com.au/minecraft-registration/

27/05/2026

What makes a Minds at Play social group so special?

It’s more than just getting together -it’s about meaningful connection, supported engagement, and creating space for every participant to grow socially at their own pace.

Here are 5 things you’ll always find in our social groups:

-Small, supportive groups
-Expert facilitation
-Flexible structure
-Inclusive, affirming spaces
-Purposeful, high-quality experiences

Every session is designed to build confidence, encourage communication, and create positive social experiences in a safe and engaging environment.

Ready to join a community where you can connect, learn, and grow?
https://mindsatplay.com.au/groups/

21/05/2026

Different Visions, Shared Growth

Our D20 Bard miniatures show just how differently creativity can shine-wood textures, bold cow prints, sparkles, and detailed lighting and shadow effects all brought these pieces to life. From freehand painting to layering, dry brushing, and washes (like adding the dice numbering), each participant explored their own approach.

Most importantly, they’re building real skills while connecting in a safe, supportive space with like-minded individuals.

20/05/2026

Global Accessibility Awareness Day | Let’s Build Better Together

Tomorrow is Global Accessibility Awareness Day-a powerful reminder that accessibility isn’t an afterthought. It’s a responsibility. It’s about making sure everyone feels considered and included.

At Minds at Play, inclusion isn’t just something we talk about-it’s something we actively create.

Our Playtest Lab, built with accessibility and neurodivergent inclusion at its core, gives game developers a unique opportunity to do something truly meaningful:

>Listen directly to neurodivergent participants
>Understand diverse ways people experience games
>Design with real perspectives in mind

We’re incredibly proud that our co-founder Dwayne Fernandes will be speaking at the Talk It Out event, sharing how this initiative is helping reshape the way games are created-making them more inclusive, more accessible, and ultimately, more human.

Because when participants are part of the development process, we don’t just improve gameplay -
✨ we create belonging
✨ we support confidence
✨ we amplify voices that deserve to be heard

Let’s make this a conversation:

What does accessibility in gaming mean to you?

What’s one change you’d love to see in the experiences you engage with?

Drop your thoughts below - we’d love to hear from our community.

Together, we can shape experiences where everyone has a place.

Talk It Out: https://events.humanitix.com/state-of-play-nsw
Play Test Lab: https://mindsatplay.com.au/play-test-lab/

19/05/2026

“Never split the party.”

It’s a classic Dungeons & Dragons lesson-but it goes far beyond the tabletop.

In our D&D Social Groups, participants quickly discover that success isn’t about doing it alone. Every adventurer brings their own strengths, perspectives, and ideas. When the group stays connected, those differences become powerful tools for shared problem-solving.

When we stick together, we:

> Support each other through challenges
> Combine creativity and critical thinking
> Build communication and trust
> Grow confidence in a safe, collaborative space

Even the GM is part of that journey-helping shape an experience where everyone can contribute, explore, and feel included.

Because at Minds at Play, it’s not about “winning”-it’s about meaningful engagement, shared stories, and growing together.

If you want to go far, go together.

https://mindsatplay.com.au/dnd-registration

16/05/2026

Good News Story: Scott

Scott’s journey shows how creative expression and the right support can open doors to confidence, connection, and community.

After stepping away from mini painting and D&D for more than 14 years due to physical and psychological challenges, Scott joined Minds at Play in 2022 and began reconnecting with the creative interests he’s loved since childhood. With encouragement from staff and the support of his mini painting social group, he’s been able to adapt his painting techniques, rebuild confidence, and rediscover the joy of creating.

Through Mini Painting with Minds At Play , Scott hasn’t just developed new skills-he’s found belonging. From forming friendships within the group to confidently engaging with wider painting communities, this space has become a place where he feels accepted, understood, and supported to be himself.

His message for anyone unsure about joining:
“Give it a go. You’ve got nothing to lose.”

“You can find friendship, acceptance and kindness… you can just be you.”

Swipe through to hear Scott’s story and see some of his incredible work

*This story is shared with permission.
https://mindsatplay.com.au/miniaturepainting

15/05/2026

We’re heading to State of Play NSW!

We’re excited to share that our co-founder Dwayne Fernandes will be delivering a micro-talk at the upcoming State of Play NSW event.

Dwayne will be speaking about our Play Test Labs.

These experiences go beyond testing-they create a space where participants share their perspectives and lived experience to help shape games that are more accessible for everyone. By providing thoughtful, real-world feedback, our participants play an active role in improving design and making games more inclusive from the ground up.

At Minds at Play, we believe meaningful connection happens when people feel safe to try, share ideas, and contribute-and our Play Test Labs are a powerful example of how participant voices can drive more accessible outcomes.

If you’re attending, be sure to catch Dwayne’s talk and learn more about how we’re helping build more inclusive social experiences.

Event Details:
-Thursday, 28th May at The Burdekin, 2-4 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
-Doors open at 6pm, talks kick off at 6:30pm!

Event details: https://events.humanitix.com/state-of-play-nsw

13/05/2026

Did You Know?

Minds at Play offers a range of online social groups designed to meet participants where they are, recognising that everyone connects in different ways. Whether it’s through collaborative storytelling, creative expression, or shared interests, each group provides a structured yet supportive space to build social confidence, practise communication, and form meaningful connections.

By offering diverse options, participants can engage in a way that feels comfortable and authentic to them-helping foster a genuine sense of belonging.

Groups we offer:
-Dungeons and Dragons
-Minecraft
-Stardew Valley
-Miniature Painting

https://mindsatplay.com.au/groups/

12/05/2026

Our Stardew Valley social group has been busy exploring, cooperating, and growing together in so many meaningful ways!

Participants have taken on exciting desert adventures, supported one another through challenges in the mines, embraced patience and turn‑taking during ice fishing, and shared laughter and teamwork during a lively egg hunt. Each session offers opportunities to practise communication, planning, and flexible thinking -all within a calm, familiar virtual environment.

What’s been most special to see is the social growth emerging through the guided structure of the group for our participants. With gentle facilitation, shared supports, and clear expectations, participants are increasingly checking in with one another, celebrating shared successes, and offering encouragement when things don’t go to plan. The group provides a supportive and safe social environment where confidence, collaboration, and friendship can grow at each individual’s pace.

https://mindsatplay.com.au/stardew-valley/

10/05/2026

Today, we want to acknowledge the mums, grandmothers, and maternal figures who carry a lot behind the scenes.

You are often the ones holding the map.

Tracking appointments, remembering who needs what and when, navigating systems that weren’t designed with your family in mind. You prepare for possibilities others don’t see- sensory overload, emotional fatigue, sudden shifts, big feelings that arrive without warning.

You help steady the moment when things tip into overwhelm.

You sit with meltdowns, make space for recovery, and help your adventurers find their way back to calm-again and again, even when you’re tired yourself.

And alongside all of that, you make room for joy.

What you do isn’t always visible.

It’s not always easy.

But it matters-deeply.

Today, we honour your care, your advocacy, your resilience, and the quiet strength you bring to your families and our community. Minds at Play exists because of the trust, effort, and support you give every day.

Wishing you a Mother’s Day with gentle moments, lighter mental load, and the knowledge that what you do is seen and valued.

-Minds at Play

08/05/2026

Minecraft Group 44’s children’s social group kicked off with an amazing first session!

Participants collaborated to plan and build a veterinary clinic, sharing ideas, problem‑solving together, and supporting one another throughout the build. The excitement peaked with a grand opening celebration for their clinic, complete with lots of proud moments.

The group also took on a summer‑themed build challenge, bringing bright colours, creative designs, and plenty of imagination into the world. A fantastic start filled with teamwork, creativity, and positive engagement!

https://mindsatplay.com.au/minecraft-registration/

Address

Sydney, NSW

Opening Hours

Tuesday	9am - 9pm
Wednesday	9am - 9pm
Thursday	9am - 9pm
Friday	9am - 9pm
Saturday	10am - 7pm

Website

https://mindsatplay.com.au/play/

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