The Power of Play

Thomas Mahon 26 Oct 2025

Below you’ll find an award-winning poem by the talented young poet, Jemima Mahon. Jemima is the niece of MoPA’s Founders, Tom and Billie, and is currently undertaking her early high-school education in the UK. As part of her studies, Jemima submitted the poem you’ll find below; a poem all about… You guessed it – The Power of Play.

With her work, Jemima won the award pictured – and in doing so, became the official Poem Laureate of the Blue School.

Jemima’s family and friends couldn’t be more proud; her work provides true insight into the role of play throughout our lives… And we know you’ll enjoy it as much as we do!


The Power of Play

I don’t need gold or fancy toys,
Just an open space and lots noise A ball and a stick, a world to create, A castle as tall, and dragon’s lake.

I run and play, I play and fall,
To be the hero and save them all.
A cardboard box into a teddie house
a paper crown to rule the town!
I’ll rule the stars, I take them down

I play with friends, I play all day long, In every game, my world expands. A stage, a scene, a line to say
I’m a new part in every play.

But play’s not just for fun and laughter, I still have to rush to tea after.
A race, a joke, a secret plan,
I learn to lose, I learn I can.

So when they say, “you will grow up someday,” I’ll smile and laugh, then run away.
For in my heart, I’ll always stay,
A kid at soul, who loves to play.

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ATTN: Cafe Managers!! We have a SUPER exciting opportunity on our team at MoPA Nunawading. YOU could be managing our on site cafes, working alongside the most epic support team, and helping us bring the most delicious, wholesome, family cafe experience to life. 

This gig is hands-on (coffee machine, yes please) and one big challenge (two cafes, don’t you know it!). Heaps of deets - including how to apply - are found on our website — www.mopa.com.au. 

Know someone that this job might suit? Tag them below and if they turn out to be the superstar that gets the job YOU will earn yourself 1 x FREE “All Museum” annual membership to MoPA!!! Yeehah!!
“If there’s one thing this world needs, it’s more PLAY and more ART!” ❤️
BREAKING NEWS: Our “$100 off Birthday Parties” promo went absolutely🍌… And so we’ve decided this monkey (the promo!) can hang around a bit longer!! Use the discount code LOVE2PARTY at the checkout. 

All party schedules do typically sell out 4-6 weeks in advance, so be sure to check your preferred avails with some lead time!!

And on a serious note - Times are tough right now for so so many families, and for so many small businesses. And so when we hit on these magical lil’ promos that enable an ‘everybody wins’ scenario — and ultimately, in this instance, the outcome is that a beautiful family enjoy a beautiful, memorable, EPIC birthday party (and perhaps a little respite from the big bad world, even just for a wee bit), then that’s… just… ACE ❤️ x
“Well if this ain’t just the cutest art activity ever, I just dunno what is!?” — PLAYFUL POTS is now showing at all our Museums; and the activity is complimentary for all guests. 

It’s mid-2026. The world is upside down right now. So broken, so uncertain, in so many ways. But MoPA will ALWAYS provide respite from the noise. MoPA will ALWAYS be a place of pure wonder, magical moments, and joy. Our little ones (and us, their oldies) - deserve a moment that’s… Nothing but in the moment. Together as a fam. Let’s make some lovely memories shall we!! xxx 🤪
Cold wet holidays = Big long museum plays!

Please don’t forget to book in for a session, prior to attending. Our Museum’s reach ‘Comfy Capacity’ limits every day during the school holiday periods — booking ahead guarantees we’ll be able to fit you in for a super comfy play. xx
“Hey babes, wanna come to MoPA with us?”
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS = HUGE SAVINGS!

All of these group deals run all school holidays. You do NOT want to miss this!!
Another gorgeous Playful Pots creation (now on its way home to sit pride of place on the dining room table with hand picked flowers 💐🌹)

PLAYFUL POTS is showing NOW at all our Museums, and all the way through April. SooooOooOOOooO much fun!! x

🎉 FINAL CALL – $100 OFF MoPA PARTIES! 🎉

It’s MoPA’s birthday this month. Instead of throwing ourselves a party, we’re helping YOU throw one!

Here’s how it works:
– Book for any date this year
– Use code LOVE2PARTY and
– You’ll receive $100 off 

 

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