Playgroup Australia

Curious about what playgroups are all about? Playgroups are a fantastic way for young children (from birth to school age) and their parents or caregivers to meet up regularly, play, and socialise. They're a vital part of local communities, helping everyone feel connected and supported socially, emotionally, and culturally. There are two main types of playgroups: parent-led and service-led. Parent-led playgroups are organised by the families themselves, while service-led playgroups are run by organisations with paid staff. Playgroups can also be tailored to specific groups (like Indigenous or intergenerational playgroups) and feature various activities (like outdoor play or language learning). Want to learn more about the amazing benefits of playgroups and how you can get involved? Check out our website for all the details! https://lnkd.in/gJzEcebC #Playgroup #Parenthood #AustralianFamilies

Why do we love play at playgroups? 🌈 Because play is so much more than just fun – it’s how children learn, grow, and connect. Through play, kids explore the world around them, develop important social and emotional skills, and build the confidence they need to thrive. Whether it’s painting, building, singing, or just playing in the mud, every moment of play is a step toward learning and discovery. At playgroups, we celebrate play every day, for children and their families. It’s a space where creativity blossoms, friendships grow, and communities come together. 💛 #playgroup #friendship #community

This article is a little piece of history from May 5th, 1992 and takes us back to a playgroup in Coburg, Victoria, where children explored the world through play - just like they do at playgroups now. From sliding down slippery dips to creating with play dough, it beautifully captured the essence of what playgroups have always been about – fostering creativity, connection, and confidence in little ones. Reflecting on this reminds us how timeless the value of play is. For decades, playgroups have been a cornerstone of early childhood learning, providing not just a space for kids to grow, but for parents to connect, share, and support one another. As we celebrate over 50 years of playgroups in Victoria, this piece is a wonderful reminder of how far we’ve come and how the magic of play continues to shape lives. 💛 Thank you to Playgroup Victoria for sharing this article and many more on your new Playgroup History website. If you would like to read more visit: https://lnkd.in/gNMzXM9h #playgroup #playmatters #earlychildhood

Playgroup Victoria has launched a beautiful website celebrating 50 years of playgroups in the state. The site offers a rich timeline of milestones, personal stories, and a gallery of photos that showcase the profound impact playgroups have had on families and communities. Congratulations to Playgroup Victoria on 50 years of bringing families together! Read through their history here: https://lnkd.in/gNMzXM9h #playgroup #earlychildhood #history

"Living in a more remote setting, it has been essential for me to meet other families with kids the same age. It has been an important part of managing the feeling of isolation that can come for new parents." For families in remote and rural areas, playgroups provide more than just an opportunity for kids to play, they're a lifeline for the parents and carers, for connection, support and become a part of a community. Whether it's sharing parenting tips, making new friends, or simply knowing you're not alone, playgroups create a space where families can feel safe and have fun.

We want to say a big thank you to the extraordinary volunteers who are the heart and soul of playgroups across Australia! 🙏❤️   From the local playgroup sessions run by dedicated parents and carers to the state playgroup organisations and their volunteer-led boards, your efforts make a world of difference. Playgroup Australia and our state-based members are all not-for-profits, powered by the passion and generosity of people who give their time to support families and strengthen communities.    To every volunteer out there, thank you for your hard work, your dedication, and the joy you bring to so many lives. Whether you’re setting up activities, leading sessions, or guiding the direction of playgroup organisations, you are creating spaces where families can connect, and children can learn and grow! Special thanks to all the hard working volunteers at Playgroup Victoria, ACT Playgroups Association, Playgroup NT, Playgroup SA and Playgroup Tasmania Inc #IVD2024 #EarlyYears #Volunteers

Last week, we had a wonderful time listening and learning about innovation and best practice from around the world at the Early Childhood Voices Conference. Most importantly, it was a joy to be a part of an event where the voices of children at the centre of every conversation. Thanks to Charles Sturt University and all of those involved in pulling the event together! The Early Childhood Voices Conference 2024 (ECV2024) is a multidisciplinary international conference providing a platform to share research about innovative methods, theories and partnerships with children, families and practitioners that supports social justice during early childhood and within the early childhood sector. #earlychildhoodvoices #families #socialjustice 

Playgroup Australia is the national peak body championing playgroups across the country. Through advocacy, research, and partnerships, we work to ensure that every child and family benefits from the power of play.   From supporting community playgroups to delivering programs that promote inclusion and child development, we are here to create connections that strengthen families and build thriving communities.   Discover more about the impact of playgroups in our 2023-2024 Annual Report: https://lnkd.in/g58-tg4c #Playgroup #nonprofit #earlychildhood

In October, Playgroup Tasmania Inc celebrated Children’s Week with a Bear Hunt at the stunning Royal Botanical Gardens, perfectly aligning with this year’s theme: Children have the right to a safe and clean environment. Families explored the gardens on their hunt and finished the day with a teddy bear picnic, creating magical memories for kids and parents alike.   Thank you to WIN News Tasmania for shining a spotlight on this special event and the hard work of the Playgroup Tasmania team behind it! #playgroup #news #childrensweek

We love hearing feedback like this from parents and carers - “I have loved attending playgroup these past 4 years, my child loves the interaction and all the activities and I have very much enjoyed being connected to other families in my local area."   Playgroups are all about connection, for both kids and parents alike. Learn more about the joyful impact playgroups are having on families on our website: https://lnkd.in/gNetKxyf #playgroup #parents #impact