Celebrating
50 Years of Playgroup Victoria
Scroll down to explore the timeline
-
Scroll down to explore the timeline -
1970’s Australia
The Women’s Movement
“Playgroups were critical in supporting hundreds of thousands of women and their children’s development in a couple of main ways:
Firstly, playgroups gave children of women not in paid employment, vital development and socialization experiences. And it gave their mothers opportunities to meet and develop friendships with neighbours and overcome isolation and loneliness.
Secondly, playgroups helped many thousands of women who needed to be in paid employment, to meet women they trusted to provide care for their children on a fee basis while they worked. Lots of children of working women were cared for at home by other women or grandparents, and they then brought the children along to playgroup.
Thirdly, the networks and skills women developed though participating in playgroups, gave them the confidence to go on to start other community services, including establishing Neighborhood Children’s Centres (NCCs). This was especially so in the 1980s and 1990s, where scores of NCCs were established that provided a whole range of services including day care, playgroups and out-of-school-care services, often with the volunteer involvement of grandparents or retired people as well.”
- Winsome McCaughey, A Founding Member of the Playgroup Victoria Association
1974
In 1974, the Victorian Playgroup Association (VPA) was established. Originally located at the Brotherhood of St Laurence premises in Fitzroy, the organisation began as a voluntary group of women whose goal it was to support playgroups in a multitude of ways. It grew quickly and the demand was high. The association sought and ultimately received government funding, using the money to employ their first field workers.
The VPA linked 20,000 families with pre-school children. It has individual and group membership. The VPA provided newsletters, printed resources, a means of contact between playgroups, low premium playgroup insurance, and developed research facilities and programs.
1975
The Playgrouper Newsletter Begins
The Playgrouper was a publication seen as an important link between individual playgroups and the Association. Partnerships were made with key government and community stakeholders including the Children’s Commission, Australian Preschool Association, Community Child-Care, and Department of Health. The organisation went from a nucleus of people to an organisation representing several hundred playgroups involving thousands of families in metropolitan and regional areas. The VPA published Forming a Playgroup, developed parent education courses internally, and through the Council for Adult Education, and field workers were employed to help new playgroups start up and to assist with the running of the groups.
1978
Although playgroups in Australia were established and organised mostly by women, men were participating in and enjoying playgroups from the very start. This story in the Women’s Weekly talks to a dad and mentions that 80,000 Australian families were part of a playgroup as of 1978.
Another story from the same year, this one in The Sun, reported that language-based playgroups were already underway. Greek, Spanish and Serbo-Croation groups had been established, and the Victorian Playgroup Association had plans to create groups for Italian, Turkish and Vietnamese parents.
1979
Fun at Playgroup was published in 1979 by the Playgroup Council of Australia.
Growing Goodness in the 1980s
The 1980s saw an increase in VPA employees, which allowed the organisation to assist playgroups in metropolitan and regional areas. There was much activity and close collaboration with other organisations, among them toy libraries, baby siting clubs, maternal and child health centres and craft buying co-ops. Funding, by this time, was coming and received through the Office for Child-Care, the Health Commission and Youth Sport and Recreation.
1980
The first ever National Playgroup Week ran between the 12th and 19th of October in 1980. These days, National Playgroup Week runs in March.
The VPA head office was located in Howard Street in North Melbourne. Liaison Officers were introduced to assist playgroups to disseminate information to parents. VPA employed inner urban and country consultants or representatives. Country travel to playgroups increased and the organization was busy writing submissions and seeking further funding opportunities to assist its members and grow playgroups across the country.
1981
These notes from the Victorian Playgroup Association’s Joan Bunker tell the story of the organisation’s first ever attempt to create a float for the Moomba parade. Despite having no experience working on such a project, Joan said she and her colleagues managed to design and fashion a showpiece that caught everyone’s eye as it travelled down Swanston Street in March... until the rain came.
1984
The Victorian Playgroup Association celebrated 10 years with an anniversary gathering.
1987
June 1987 saw VPA unveil a brand-new logo, designed and drawn by none other than Michael Leunig. The Leunig logo remained as the associations prime logo for 29 years.
1988
Kaye Plowman commenced as CEO in January 1988 and went on to be an instrumental part of the evolution of Playgroup Victoria and playgroups in Victoria for over 23 years.
As well, the first Playgroup Council Conference is held in Canberra.
1989
In 1989, The Age published a story that suggested there were as many as 13,000 playgroups in Victoria. The story mentioned that playgroups began in Britain in the early 1960s and that one of the reasons for the movement gaining momentum in the city was the discovery that “there were no more child-care centres in Melbourne in 1970 than there had been in 1895”.
Membership growth in the 1980s
During the 80s, playgroup membership was at 2,000 playgroups involving 20,000 families. One third of VPA membership was from country Victoria.
Major Moves in the 1990s
The Victorian Playgroup Association opened their first independent headquarters in March 1990. The move to these larger, un-shared premises made sense, given that the volume of enquiries and material available to support playgroup families was on the rise. The ‘Log Cabin’ in Brunswick became the new professional home to founding Victorian Playgroup Association members Patsy Sebastian and former Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Winsome McCaughey AO.
1990
VPA opened the Albert Street headquarters in Brunswick. Neil Benjamin Trezise, a former member of Parliament, opened the building on the 21st March 1990. The Brunswick location became the new professional home to founding VPA members Patsy Sebastian and former Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Winsome McCaughey AO. Affectionately named the "Log Cabin” this building remained the head office location for over 30 years.
1991
The first National Playgroup Conference was held in 1991. The association brought together members of the early years sector with themes including Children’s Safety and Parenting. At around the same time, the Victorian Playgroup Association published a traffic safety booklet and expanded their popular parenting workshops.
1993
In 1993, the World Play Summit was hosted in Melbourne. It was the first time the conference had been brought to the southern hemisphere and was attended by hundreds of people from all over the world.
1995
VPA celebrates 21 years!
In 1995, the Victorian Playgroup Association celebrated its 21st birthday. To mark this occasion, a book titled Playgroups Let Children Play (21 years of Celebrating Playgroups) was written and published by Beryl White and Kaye Plowman.
1996
Membership Offers and The VPA Shop
The mid to late 90s saw a special membership card was brought in with partner discounts on offer for VPA members. One such offer was a Telenet discount for any registered VPA member. VPA started an in-house shop, selling products such as books, tapes and art/craft materials and resources.
1998
Introducing the Playgroup Manual
The First edition of the Playgroup Manual was published with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development in 1998. The Playgroup Manual was a comprehensive guide for new members starting a playgroup covering best practices, playgroup models and the general ins and outs of setting up and running a playgroup. Four editions of the Playgroup Manual were released from 1998 to 2010.
1999
More playgroup consultants were brought on board to assist with telephone help, workshops, courses, and information sessions. An inclusion playgroup consultant was hired to support families with special needs and CALD playgroups. As well, four bilingual playgroup consultants were hired.
Other highlights from the 90s included:
By the end of the decade, membership increased to 30,000 members.
VPA took part in Melbourne’s iconic Moomba festival in 1997 and participated in the parade with a float.
Playgroup concerts were in full swing during the 90’s, with families from across the state enjoying VPA run concerts, often featuring the then up and coming children’s band The Wiggles.
VPA held regular play days including Playgroup in the park and Wildlife days at the Zoo. These events brought different playgroups form across the state together
In 1999, the first Resourcing Families for a Better Future forum was held, which included participants from 16 local councils. These meeting remain central to Playgroup Victoria’s work to this very day, known as Communities of Practice.
Starting a Playgroup Let the Fun begin – an informative video about starting a playgroup was filmed and produced by VPA in 1999
Major changes in child protection policies occurred during the 90’s and playgroup helped with dissemination of information.
By the end of the decade playgroups had expanded to include home, baby, outdoor, special needs, community, fathers, grandparents & culturally specific playgroups.
A Name Change and Digital Shift in the 2000s
During the Noughties, the Victorian Playgroup Association ramped up their online presence to connect with a wider audience. The organisation developed a website, hosted PVTV, produced online magazines and created an online tool called Playmap.
2000 -2004
New Name Game
In 2001, the Victorian Playgroup Association became known as Playgrouping Victoria. In late 2003 that name was shortened to Playgroup Victoria to align with Playgroup Australia. Although this new name saw a significant change for the organization, the mission remained the same: to create opportunities for everyone to participate in playgroup, reduce barriers and to advocate for the benefits of playgroup.
More highlights from 2000 - 2004
The early 2000s saw Playgroup Victoria began to develop close links with Maternal Child and Health Centres, working to link mothers’ groups with local playgroups, or to transition mothers’ groups into playgroups, maintaining continuity and support right through until school.
2002 saw Playgroup Victoria established the Playgroup Awards in recognition of playgroups and individuals demonstrating outstanding engagement, planned sessions, contribution and effort.
The 1800 Playgroup Hotline was established during this time frame. The hotline is still used today to support local playgroup enquiries.
In 2004 Playgroup Victoria finalized a Best Practice Framework for playgroups.
2005
A Digital Shift
The mid-2000s saw Playgroup Victoria working hard to move with the ever-developing digital space and grow their online presence. An updated website and online membership payment options were introduced.
Key highlights from 2005 include:
Playgroup Victoria started to offer a Pop-Up Playgroup service. This saw in-house staff taking playgroup on the road, with a fully resourced van. Pop Up playgroups were booked by local councils and organizations.
Supported Playgroup Leader training sessions were established. As well a range of playgroup courses were run for members, with topics covering: child development, the value of play, playgroup management, getting everyone involved and welcoming everyone at playgroup.
In 2005, the MyTime program began. This program saw parents and carers of children with disability or other additional needs come together in organized supported groups. These groups helped attendees to feel understood, to share ideas and access quality information and resources. Playgroup Victoria ran many groups across the state.
2006
In 2006, a Playgroup Expansion Fund (PEP) was established to support playgroups with small grants.
2008
November 2008 saw the rollout of PlayConnect playgroups across Australia. The PlayConnect program was to focus on establishing playgroups for children with autism spectrum disorder. To celebrate the launch of this new program, a special event was held on Friday 7th November. In attendance were former minster Jenny Macklin and then parliamentary secretary Bill Shorten were in attendance.
The program is still going, its current iteration renamed PlayConnect+ expanding to help families of children with disability, developmental concern or chronic health condition 2009
2009
In 2009 the work of Playgroup Victoria was recognised with a Victorian Government Early Years Award. At the same time, significant funding was received from the state government for numerous projects. Funding enabling Playgroup Victoria to visit areas devastated by the Black Saturday bushfires and support communities with Play Therapists.
Support for Playgroups Affected by Bushfire Project
Playgroup Victoria received funding from the Victorian Bush Fire Appeal for a two-year project which is to focus on supporting playgroup families affected by the 2009 bushfires. During the project Playgroup Victoria was able to provide playgroups with regular playgroup consultant visits bringing playgroups to the families, assist with building parent and facilitator capacity to enable them to resume running their playgroups by providing them with resources, information and linkages to their local community, assist with material aid and renewal of resources, assist with funding maintenance and repairs for playgroup venues, provide Sing and Grow music sessions, provide promotion of individual playgroups through Open Days and work in collaboration with council and agencies to provide free Community Fun Days.
PlaySpot LaTrobe Valley Bush Fire Trip 2009
Supported Playgroup and Parent Group Initiative
Government funding help to establish The Supported Playgroup and Parent Group Initiative (SPPI). This initiative supported vulnerable parents in 29 municipalities across Victoria. Its objective was to promote improved health, development and wellbeing outcomes for children, as well as build parent confidence and capacity, while supporting the establishment of social networks. The SPPI funded the resources needed to create opportunities for children and to build parental capabilities.
Building Strong Government Relationships
In 2009, the Playgroup Victoria Board, CEO and senior staff successfully lobbied the state government for an additional $1 million for community playgroups in the lead up to the election. This was a significant recognition of the value of play, playgroups and state government regard for Playgroup Victoria. Unfortunately, with the change of Government at the time this additional funding was not provided. However, it proved the value of Playgroup Victoria’s advocacy and relationships with key Ministers and their offices, departmental staff and the importance of remaining constantly up to date with Government policy.
Other highlights from the late 2000s included:
A Cultural Competency Program was introduced to Playgroup Victoria.
Grandparent’s playgroups gained more funding support during this time.
Being, Belonging and Becoming was released by The Early Years Framework. Australia’s Early Years Learning Framework supported the work of playgroup facilitators, leaders and families. The Council of Australian Government developed the Framework to assist educators to provide young children with opportunities to maximise their potential and develop a foundation for future success in learning. The Framework focused on the learning of children from birth to five years- the playgroup years.
Playgroup enters the 2010s
Opportunities for families and playgroups to connect and grow expanded as Playgroup Victoria’s online offerings developed. The peak body continued to partner with like-minded organisations and services to strengthen their support.
2010
2010 was a year of achievement for everyone involved in playgroups and Playgroup Victoria.
Playgroup Victoria’s work at a national level continued to be critical. 2010 was the first year a new independent Board governed Playgroup Australia. Playgroup Australia advocated for State and Territory playgroup associations to the federal government. As a result of this advocacy, Playgroup Australia received funding for programs such as PlayConnect and the Supported Playgroup Program.
Playgroup Victoria’s volunteer committees worked overtime coordinating playgroups across the state. In addition to community playgroups, Playgroup Victoria was funded to deliver a range of supported playgroups, where trained facilitators ran playgroups for the more vulnerable children and families.
“The recent growth of these is, I think, strong evidence of the great value of playgroups and of the high standing of Playgroup Victoria in this field. Take a bow Playgroup Victoria.”
- Sherryl Garbutt, Playgroup Patron
Farewell to longstanding CEO Kaye Plowman
Highly respected CEO, Kaye Plowman, announced her intention to retire during 2010. Kaye made an outstanding contribution to play, playgroups and Playgroup Victoria. Kaye is regarded nationally as an expert on playgroups and left the association in an incredibly strong position. Kaye came from grass roots and demonstrated the passion and value for playgroups that formed the backbone of the organisation.
Growth for PlayConnect Program
The PlayConnect playgroup program developed rapidly in 2010. The 18 initial groups in January increased to 24 groups by December, with a further eight groups approved to commence in 2011- bringing the total number of PlayConnect Playgroups across Victoria to 50.
“I don’t know where to begin praising the efforts of all those involved with my local PlayConnect playgroup. My son and I just love it!” - Parent, Kelly Hussey, talks about her experiences at Thornbury PlayConnect.
Opening of PlayConnect Thornbury in 2010
MyTime Extension
The MyTime program funding was extended in 2010 for a further three years and the program’s criteria eligibility was broadened. As of July 2010, MyTime became a national facilitated peer support program for parents/carers of a child aged 0-16 with disability or chronic medical condition, funded by Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) and coordinated nationally by the Parenting Research Centre. Playgroup Victoria was a Lead Agency of MyTime in Victoria, and continued to coordinate 32 groups.
Publications and Online Communications
Content on the website grew in 2010 and was Playgroup Victoria’s main communication tool. A Facebook page was created in July 2010 to add to Playgroup Victoria’s communication tools, reach a wider audience and increase website traffic.
ePlaygroup News and ePlaygroup Professional were redesigned to be consistent with the website. To keep open rates high and enable subscribers to quickly scan headlines, layout of both publications was streamlined. ePlaygroup News were emailed to an average of 6500 people each time in March, April, June, August, September and November. Two issues of ePlaygroup Professional were emailed in April and August to a growing number of professionals and people interested in running playgroups.
More key moments from 2010:
Playgroup Victoria reported 3,181 playgroup sessions ran across 2010
11,601 new families became Playgroup Victoria Family members
The first Koorie Playgroup Consultant was employed
Further funding from the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery was obtained
Playgroup Victoria won the Quality Improvement Award from Barwon Health
A new fourth edition of the Playgroup Manual was created and distributed to member playgroups and made available online in the member login
2011 - 2012
From 2011 – 2012 there were over 1,200 community playgroups being run by parents for parents across Victoria. These playgroups held over 2,500 individual sessions of playgroup each week. 300 new member playgroups started during 2011 with the help of Playgroup Victoria Member Consultants.
I Love Playgroup Campaign
Playgroup Victoria had a responsibility not only to support its 26,000 member families who were attending playgroups but to promote the benefits of participation in playgroup to new parents, or parents who have not yet tuned in to playgroup.
A membership review conducted in 2011 showed that playgroups wanted assistance to promote their own playgroups, in their own communities. Playgroup Victoria developed the I Love Playgroup campaign in response. The Honourable Wendy Lovell, then Minister for Housing and Minister for Children and Early Childhood launched the campaign at the Playgroup Victoria Conference in May 2012.
Play Days, Promotional Events and Laying the Foundations Conference
Over the year Playgroup Victoria held 16 events. 69% of these events were for the benefit of Playgroup Victoria members, 19% were to promote the concept of playgroups within the community and 13% were fundraising events one of which directly fundraises for community playgroup members.
Some events included: National Playgroup Week ALDI Roadshow, Melbourne Aquarium Play Day, Heide Museum of Modern Art Play Day, Romp & Stomp Fun Day for Children, Melbourne Zoo Play Day, Werribee Zoo Playgroup Day, Warrnambool Playgroup Day, Kidsfest Shepparton, Moomba, IGA Rhymes Kids Music Festival.
Playgroup Victoria provided a range of support for leaders within community and supported playgroups. The annual Laying the Foundations Playgroup Conference was a great example of this support. The 2012 conference attracted 200 leaders from across the state who benefitted from hearing about best practice and emerging practice within playgroups.
PV Van at Kidsfest 2011
Heide Museum Art Play Day 2011
Playgroup Victoria Welcomes a New CEO
With the retirement of long standing CEO Kaye Plowman, Vivienne Cunningham-Smith stepped into the CEO role in 2011.
Improving Services to Members
2012 saw a radical shift in the way Playgroup Victoria delivered services to members. These services were a life blood for playgroups providing them with the infrastructure and support they need to keep them happening and growing in their communities. Major changes included:
Going online with PVTV to provide workshops, information and support for leaders and professionals in playgroup.
A new branding program which successfully targeted the recruitment and retention cycles of playgroup.
A new online system for payment and management of community playgroups online
Free playgroup induction workshops
Connecting Schools and Communities Through Supported Playgroups Pilot Project
Playgroup Victoria commenced a Connecting Schools and Communities Through Supported Playgroups Pilot Project. It was a unique partnership including the Catholic Education Office (CEO Ballarat), Ballarat Best Start, Australian Catholic University (ACU) the then DEECD and 5 regional government and Catholic primary schools. Evaluated by ACU the project highlighted the important role that playgroups play in improving: children’s social, emotional development and school readiness, social connections for families, positive parental perception of their local school, teacher effectiveness and enhanced skills to engage with vulnerable families
Melbourne NAIDOC Week March
In 2011 the Koorie Playgroup Network was vibrant and strong in Victoria. In July 2011, the Playgroup Victoria team joined Indigenous friends and colleagues in celebrating NAIDOC week at the march in Melbourne.
2013 - 2014
Bringing Playgroup to Life Online
Creation of PlayMap, Online Playgrouper Magazines and a Logo Refresh and Website Redesign
Entering its 40th year, Playgroup Victoria worked hard to engage with members via the digital space. The online interactive tool, PlayMap, was launched to help playgroups plan activities via an online portal. PlayMap was designed with elements and features from the Victorian Early Years Development Framework and was used by playgroup leaders to design and run playgroup sessions. As well, the long-running Playgrouper magazine was also now being delivered online. View the 2014 issues of the Playgrouper Magazine HERE.
The existing logo went through a revamp, to go alongside a major redesign of the website. The largest undertaking for the organisation during 2013 was the redesign of the Playgroup Victoria website. Over 12 months the content was stripped back to ensure a user-friendly and brand-focused website was delivered. Alongside the redesign of the website, Playgroup Victoria also worked to ensure that the content relationship management (CRM) system and online payment system were both seamlessly included to make it easier for members and playgroups to use the new website.
Government Funds to Help Boost Rural Victoria Playgroups The Rural Project
The Hon. Wendy Lovell, then Minister for Children & Early Childhood Development announced at Playgroup Victoria’s Conference that the government would fund a $1.2 million playgroup development pilot project. Funded by the Department of Education and Training, this 3-year project aimed to boost community playgroup participation in rural areas and improve the journey for regional families from birth through maternal and child health services, playgroup, kindergarten and the more formal early years service system. Playgroup Victoria worked in partnership with Early Learning Association Australia (ELAA) to deliver the project in the areas of Wimmera, Ballarat, Gippsland and surrounds. In each area a Playgroup Development worker worked with parents, community playgroups and the early years’ service systems to improve participation at community playgroups.
The Rural Project Team 2013
Celebrating 40 Years of Playgroup Victoria – The Playgroup State Conference 2014
2014 saw the organisation celebrate 40 years of operation. The Playgroup State Conference – Laying the Foundations - provided 220 participants with an array of keynote speakers and workshops dedicated to ‘Learning Through Play’ and how playgroups support play opportunities for children and families. Marc Armitage and Professor Joe Sparling provided a wealth of knowledge and experience as keynote speakers, while there were over 20 practical workshops for participants to attend and a masterclass from renowned children’s book author and Playgroup Victoria Ambassador Jeannette Rowe.
2015
Celebrating Community Playgroups
Winners of the 2015 Playgroup Awards were announced at a gala event in November 2015. The nominations spread across nine categories and highlighted the diversity of playgroups across Victoria. The former Minster for Children and Early Childhood Development, the Hon Jenny Mikakos MP selected St Kieran’s Playgroup from Moe for her Ministers Award for excellence and innovation in playgroup. The overall Playgroup of the Year was Marie Chandler Playgroup. 2015 also saw the introduction of the Playgroup Champion Award. The recipient of this award was selected by Playgroup Victoria to celebrate someone who champions playgroups in their work. The inaugural winner was Donna Ludvigsen.
2016
A New CEO
The end of 2015 saw Vivienne Cunningham-Smith resign from her position of CEO. As CEO, Vivienne developed a range of strategies including a results-based accountability framework. In March 2016, Danny Schwarz stepped into the CEO position and remains as the organisations CEO to present day.
Vibrant and Fresh New Look
The state and territory organisations endeavoured to better align and work together. The creation of a new colourful logo followed. Each playgroup organization had a primary colour that formed part of the P. Playgroup Victoria represented green. The black, white and red branding aesthetic, accompanied by the much loved Leunig logo that had been in place for 29 years, was replaced by the new playgroup branding, which brought to life vibrancy and brightness, reflecting the fun and joy of playgroup. Much like the black and white tv turning to colour, Playgroup Victoria enlivened the colour palette.
The Playgroup Framework – a Foundation Document
Playgroup Victoria published The Playgroup Framework in 2016. This document was the culmination of a year’s work aiming to develop a theoretical framework and model for playgroup. By the mid-2010s, Playgroup Victoria saw a need to drive research and draw together evidence to create an advocacy document that helped support messaging that playgroups are an integral part of cohesive and robust communities and, deserve to be recognised for the vital role they play in giving children a strong start in life. This led to develop The Playgroup Framework. Read the Playgroup Framework HERE
Australian Catholic University Partnership Growth
During 2016 Playgroup Victoria continued to develop a significant partnership with the Australian Catholic University as the Industry Partner in an Australian Research Council (ARC) grant - A best practice framework for playgroups-in-schools.
The Moonee Valley Project
Funded through a Partnership Grant, Playgroup Victoria worked in partnership with Moonee Valley City Council to support and grow playgroups across the City of Moonee Valley. ‘Moonee Valley Playgroups Above and Beyond’ aimed to strengthen and support volunteer led playgroups. The project fostered innovative approaches to playgroup development such as playgroups in aged care facilities, schools, nature playgroups, grandparents’ playgroups, culturally specific playgroups and multiple birth playgroups.
Transitions from MCH to Playgroup Increase
Funding was received from the State Government as part of their $81.1 Million investment in early childhood, to work with Maternal and Child Health nurses to encourage new parents to set up or join playgroups. During 2016, Transitions from MCH to playgroup increased from 24% to 76%.
2015 - 2016 Membership Stats:
15,000 members ran and participated in more than 1500 Community Playgroups across the year.
120 new playgroups established
389 community playgroups were mentored by Playgroup Victoria
2017
Together the Playgroup Victoria Board and staff developed the organisational strategic goals of: Enabling Inclusive Access to Playgroup, Investment in Playgroup/Revenue Diversification and Recognition of Playgroup.
Collaboration with Drummond Street Services
Playgroup Victoria worked alongside Drummond Street Services to develop an innovative pilot program to strengthen attitudes around positive, equal and respectful relationships and challenge gender stereotypes particularly around stereotypical roles of girls and boys and mothers and fathers. The program became known as Girls ‘N’ Boys Come Out To Play. Drummond Street Services and Playgroup Victoria were awarded funding to run the program. There were 170 applicants for the Community Partnerships for Primary Prevention grants. Girls ‘N’ Boys Come Out To Play was among the 34 successful applicants. Playgroup Victoria and Drummond Street Services worked with well-known musician Amanda Testro from Hullaballoo Music, to ensure the workshops were fun and empowering for children of all abilities and cultural backgrounds.
Bilingual Storytime - Library Week
In 2017, Playgroup Victoria introduced a bilingual storytime, as part of Library Week, to celebrate the diversity of culture and languages throughout local communities. Volunteers were invited to join to read in different languages at local library story time sessions across Victoria.
Playgroup in the News
Playgroup Victoria was highlighted in the Herald Sun newspaper, ELC Primary Learning magazine and other local newspapers. Playgroup Victoria’s CEO, Danny Schwarz, spoke on Channel 7 News about a very important issue: alarm systems installed in child safety seats.
Communities of Practice
Playgroup Victoria took on a new role leading Communities of Practice across Victoria for the Department of Education and Training (DET) funded supported playgroup facilitators. Communities of Practice provided opportunities for facilitators to network, share practice and enhance playgroup experiences for children and families. Facilitators from 79 local government areas engaged in 12 Communities of Practice across Victoria. Communities of Practice have run successfully every year since.
Celebrating Playgroup
In 2017 Playgroup Victoria held a day of three major events: The Playgroup Awards, The Playgroup Conference and a community play event – The Play Extravaganza. The awards were held at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium and the other events were held at Novotel on Collins. The theme across the three events was ‘Embracing Diversity.’ The events showcased innovative ideas, learning, community and celebrated Playgroup.
Groovy Ruby from Kinderling Kids Radio performing at The Play Extravaganza event, November 2017
Playgroup Awards at Sealife
A Home for Playgroup Stories – The Playgroup Victoria Blog
In mid-2017 Playgroup Victoria launched an online blog. The blog celebrated meaningful community stories, featuring local playgroups, interviews with people of interest and early years insights. Prior to this, the organization published a magazine, Playgrouper.
An early blog article was read aloud in the Victorian Parliament, highlighting the meaningful nature of intergenerational community connections. The blog highlighted local playgroup stories and showcased interviews with Australian Author Jackie French, Kinderling Kids Radio, children’s book author Tony Wilson, Ecologist Rowan Mott, Music Therapist Jess Higgins, BushPlay Project Founder Jarrod Paine and Dr Sandro Demaio, of the Sandro Demaio Foundation. The blog is still going strong today with over 12,000 views a year.
Maternal And Child Health Service Collaboration
During 2017 Playgroup Victoria partnered with the Municipal Association of Victoria and the Victorian Maternal and Child Health Service for an exciting two-year project. The aim of the project was to increase social support for first-time parents. Eight Local Government Areas (LGAs) were selected to participate in a consultation process and over 30 nurses from the eight sites were interviewed. Through this consultation with the MCH workforce and their allied health colleagues, Playgroup Victoria planned and developing a range of tools and resources that communicate key messaging about the importance of developing a support system for both parent and child. A significant outcome of working closely with the MCH team was the utilisation of their IT platform, enabling Playgroup Victoria to integrate messaging into a mobile phone application for first-time parents. The resources and toll were brought to life in 2108 and the eight LGA sites participating in the pilot trailed the new tools and resources during the second year of the project.
12 Days of Giveaways Campaign Launched
In celebration of our valued partnerships and the year that had been, Playgroup Victoria launched a summertime engagement campaign called 12 Days of Giveaways. Each day we featured a special giveaway across social media platforms. Playgroups and families were asked to share stories about play, community, kindness and the year that had been to enter the draw to win a prize. Giveaway partners included: included SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Museum, the National Gallery of Victoria, Scienceworks, Legoland, My Little Tribe, Tiptoe Giants, The Beanies and LAH LAH. This campaign has gone on to run ever year since.
12 Days of Giveaways promo artwork 2017 - 2023
2018
By 2018 Playgroup Victoria had been operating as the peak body for playgroups for 44 years. Membership peaked with the baby boomers in the 1970-80s during the exciting dawning of the playgroup phenomenon. By the 2000s the modern world was changing the way that the organisation was connecting with families. As such, the Playgroup Victoria Membership Model had to change.
Above: Early drafts of the Playgroup pals
Branding Revamp and Introduction of the Playgroup Pals
In 2018, Playgroup Victoria, alongside some of the other state organisations, underwent a branding transformation in partnership with creative agency, Your Creative.
Along with the existing “colourful P” logo further design elements were needed to bring the brand to life. A member of the Playgroup Victoria team hand sketched drawings of animals, seeking to have recognisable characters that represented the unique aspects of playgroup. The animals illustrated that we are all different, with all different attributes, interests and ideas- yet we all come together to play, share and learn. The playgroup pals gave the brand personality and a voice- one that was colourful, fun, playful and familiar- appealing to both children and adults. Read the stories of the Playgroup Pals here.
Read more about the branding project with Your Creative here.
Development of Professional Newsletter
Playgroup Victoria developed an online magazine for the professional audience which was published four times a year, during each school term from 2018 - 2020. Each edition is centred around a theme identified as important at the time.
Playgroup Victoria Membership Review and IT Upgrade
Over 10 months, Playgroup Victoria conducted a Membership and Engagement Review, alongside another internal IT and external website upgrade project. The new membership model was designed to engage with all stakeholders: children and families, playgroup Leaders, playgroup professionals, local government and service organisations who run playgroups. Families still had the option to buy a Playgroup Victoria Family Membership, however the focus was to have the playgroups register. The new model allowed families to interact and connect, without formally purchasing a standard 12-month membership. Playgroup Registration allowed playgroup leaders to manage their playgroup online. The upgrade of the website would allow leaders to invite families to register and become connected to their playgroup through their online portal.
CEO Regional Road-trip
In January 2018 Playgroup Victoria’s CEO Danny Schwarz went on a road trip to Bendigo and surrounding areas, meeting locals, asking what more Playgroup Victoria can do to help their playgroup community. Read more about Danny’s tour on our blog HERE.
A Community Facebook Group is Launched
In February 2018, a closed Facebook group was brought to life with the aim to gather members of the playgroup community, in a safe space. Playgroup Victoria created guidelines to minimise any commercial posting, advertising of inappropriate material. Playgroup staff were part of the group to provide advice, offer assistance and share local news. The group is a safe space for parents and educators to share news, ideas, events and questions about playgroup.
Redefining What it is to Belong - Equality for All
Playgroup Victoria, in partnership with drummond street services and Hullaballoo Music for All, continued to deliver a program committed to improving gender equality into the future. The original program Girls ‘n’ Boys Come Out to Play became ALL Come Out to Play!
Across 2018, the program was presented to over 1300 children and 750 adults. 45 facilitators were trained to deliver the project within their local community and groups. A collaboration with Victoria University saw lesson plans developed to enable further discussion and embedding of messages around gender equality. A funding extension of six months was granted from the Free From Violence Fund, as well as a grant from Gandel Philanthropy - that saw the program delivered to a wider audience. Additional funding allowed the project to deliver a sustainable approach - including a book that can be utilised by playgroup leaders, families and early childhood professionals. Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association (AVWA) joined the ALL Come Out to Play! partnership with a successful grant application at the end of 2018.
Supporting New Playgroups Through the Great Start Grants
The $50,000 Great Start Community Playgroup Grant Fund was provided by the Minister for Families and Children, Minister for Early Childhood Education – The Honorable Jenny Mikakos. Earlier in the year, newly established community playgroups were invited to make an application to Playgroup Victoria for a grant to support their playgroup. In 2018 priority was given to new community playgroups being set up by parents who are transitioning from first-time parents groups, promoted via the Maternal and Child Health state-wide workforce.
More Inspiration and Resources for Members
In May 2018, Playgroup Victoria began to create and distribute member only activity booklets. The booklets were designed in-house and sent out as a special benefit for members. The aim was to inspire playgroups and families and to create a pool of resources for early years professionals to support playgroups. As time continued on, Playgroup Victoria developed a monthly calendar, where a different theme was explored each month, accompanied by a collection of play ideas.
Messy Play May in Bright
To connect further with regional areas, Playgroup Victoria held a Messy Play Day event in for local families in the township of Bright, in North-East Victoria. People travelled from Springhurst, Yackandandah, Beechworth, Milawa, Falls Creek and surrounding townships to take part in the event. Read more about the Messy Play May event HERE
Move It For Kids Program
Playgroup Victoria, drummond street services and Hullaballoo Music for All collaborated again on a second program and successfully received a grant from Sport Australia under the Move It AUS Grant Program.
The MoveIt4Kids program promoted physical activity and a healthy lifestyle using the playgroup platform for delivery. Parents, carers and children aged 0-5 were invited to enjoy this active musical comedy experience via community playgroups.
2019
Playgroup Makes a Difference - Living Well in our Community - 2019 Conference
260 attendees came together at the Novotel on Collins for the 2019 Playgroup Conference. The topics featured were fascinating and thought-provoking. Discussions ranged from social capital to nutrition, indigenous culture, gender, nature play, self-care and new research. Highlights were presentations given by Playgroup Victoria patron Dorothy Scott, Social Pedagogy guru Gabriel Eichsteller, Kids In Nature Network, Play Therapist Bridget Dooley, Professor Richard Fletcher, Author Jackie French and Executive Director of the Sandro Demaio Foundation Natalie Molino.
Building a Relationship with Monash University Conceptual Play Lab Academics
An early childhood Professor, Marilyn Fleer, won the Kathleen Fitzpatrick Australian Laureate Fellowship in 2018. Fleer garnered one of the biggest early years grants in history. A whopping 3.2 million was funded from the Australian Research Council. The Conceptual PlayLab was brought to life. The next five years were dedicated to an in-depth study on the very detail of childhood, of play, of STEM, focusing on ‘Imagination in play and imagination in STEM’.
In 2019 Playgroup Victoria began a relationship with the Monash University Conceptual PlayWorld team of researchers, supporting the cause and working to collaborate with local playgroups. The relationship is still ongoing today.
“It is really, really special. I feel the responsibility but it is so exciting because I have resources, in the name of people. The funding is primarily to pay people, to do this really interesting work around science, engineering and technologies for infants, toddlers and preschoolers across a broad range of settings and across different cultures, families and communities.” - Professor Marilyn Fleer. Learn more HERE
Monash University Conceptual PlayWorld Team
Play Days and Events
Playgroup Victoria ran and participated in 26 events throughout the year including Pop-Up Playgroups, Romp and Stomp, Library Week and Little Kids Day In. 9975 children, parents and carers attended events across the year. Of note, in partnership with Sealife Melbourne Aquarium, Playgroup Victoria ran a National Playgroup Week event, which was featured on Nine News.
Sealife Pop-Up Playgroup 2019
Playgroup Library Week
Romp and Stomp
Highlights and Membership Stats From 2018-2019:
41,952 Children and Adults attended a Playgroup
482 Postcodes registered Community Playgroups
190 New Community Playgroups were established
A brand-new Playgroup Victoria website was redeveloped and launched in 2019, with over 80,000 website users visiting the site across the year.
Social media use was on the rise and Playgroup Victoria saw an increase in Facebook and Instagram followers.
Playgroup Victoria teamed up with Mamma Knows Melbourne to explore the playgroup community, uncovering local gems in the metropolitan area. This was a valuable collaboration because they introduced new audiences to the possibility of playgroup
Documentary – Old Peoples Home for 4 Year Olds, featured on ABC which led to an increase in promotion for intergenerational playgroups
Playgroup Victoria aimed to add value to the membership offering, by introducing a Loyalty Program for Paid Family members. This program offered discounts at major retail stores such as Woolworths, Coles, Kmart and Myer.
The Ballarat and District Playgroup Facilitators Network was established
Playgroup Today, Tomorrow and Beyond
A leap into the new decade brought with it great joy, followed swiftly by uncertainty as a worldwide pandemic changed the lives of us, with lasting effects. Melbourne underwent the longest lockdown in the world. An offshoot of the crisis was a meaningful coming together. Online playgroup sessions acted as a strong steading force for families, providing regular social interaction, fun, light and play.
2020 - 2021
Covid-19 struck in 2020, but the work of Playgroup Victoria continued. Playgroup went online, with the first online playgroup session featured much loved Australian Author Jackie French, who read to families and answered a series of questions, much to the children’s delight. This session was beamed into the residents of social housing towers in North Melbourne and Flemington. This led to the development of Playgroup at Home Live. Regular sessions brought playgroup to life with stories, songs and activities. These sessions were run by playgroup facilitators and were interactive by nature.
The Rise of Online Playgroup Sessions
Playgroup at Home Live
All ages playgroup and baby playgroup sessions were regular features of the week, providing families with a source of community, connection, learning and play inspiration. Special guests joined the online sessions along the way, some guests included The Governor General Mr David Hurley and his wife Linda Hurley, author Jackie French, Ranger Jim from City of Melbourne, Education Manager Olivia Hill from SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, Lah-Lah’s Big Live Band, the Tiptoe Giants, the National Gallery of Victoria, the Melbourne Museum, Artsbus, Edgars Farm, ArtPlay and more! The online playgroup sessions kept families, and the wider playgroup community connected during the uncertainty of the pandemic and created further opportunities to find a sense of belonging.
At the peak of the project, we delivered 10 sessions of online playgroups alongside music focused sessions All Come out to Play and Move It 4 Kids. By the end of 2021, more than 40,000 children and families had participated in our online playgroup sessions.
Playgroup at Home Facebook Group Developed to Support Families During Lockdown
Alongside several other playgroup organisations, in late March 2020 Playgroup Victoria updated their community Facebook group to better support families during the pandemic, while nobody was able to attend playgroup in-person. The new direction of the facebook group saw members grow from 1200 to 5000. Alongside this Playgroup Victoria ran a digital campaign, called 20 Days of Play. Playgroup Victoria created an array of play sheets and encouraged families to join the fun, nurturing wellbeing and care from afar! This led to further development of activity booklets, that covered themes and highlighted particular celebrations, such as an Easter Themed Booklet.
Virtual Intergenerational Playgroups
November 2020 marked the first virtual gathering for the Intergenerational Playgroup with Mercy Place residents in Ballarat. Families from around Victoria joined the session from their own homes to play and build connections for the residents at the aged care facility.
Membership Fees Placed On Hold as State Goes into Lockdown
As a result of the pandemic, membership payments were not made, in response to the lockdown. Families were unable to attend playgroup and many were finding life challenging as it was. During this time there was a significant drop of almost 100 per cent in membership fees coming into the organisation. As 2021 progressed, and the state was in and out of lockdowns, Playgroup Victoria offered a six-month membership for members.
Cancellation of the Annual Playgroup Victoria Conference
The annual Playgroup conference did not take place in 2020, and was planned to be delivered in-person in June, 2021. Due to the pandemic lockdown and restrictions, the conference was cancelled, with new plans to deliver virtually in October 2021. It was unanimously agreed by the conference planning team that the audience for this conference, playgroup professionals state-wide, generally preferred an in-person conference to enjoy the additional benefits of networking. Thus, the virtual conference did not proceed.
Peep Learning Together Program
Always focusing on evidentiary programs, Playgroup Victoria partnered with Peeple UK and became the Australian license holder for the Peep Learning Together Program, which is now on the Victorian School Funding Readiness Menu and the Australian Institute for Families studies guide for evidence-based programs.
"The Peep Learning Together Programme aims to do two things which we know from research makes a difference to children’s outcomes. Those two things are the quality of relationships and the quality of the home learning environment.”- Dr Sally Smith, CEO of Peeple, Oxford England.
Reconciliation
Playgroup Victoria embarked on developing its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). There were four stages to consider: reflect, innovate, stretch and elevate. Despite having done significant work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the past, Playgroup Victoria made the decision to start at stage one – the “Reflect” stage. The key commitments of an organisation for this stage were to stablish a RAP Working Group, scope and reflect on how the organisation could contribute to reconciliation, build an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and sphere of influence and report annually to Reconciliation Australia.
Indigenous artist and attendee of a local MyTime group, Sharon Slater, was engaged to create a custom artwork that represented the organisation. Read more about Sharon Slater and this artwork HERE. This artwork hangs in the playgroup Victoria office and in collaboration with the artist, the artwork ahs been woven into the playgroup Victoria branding. In November 2020, Playgroup Victoria established a RAP working group consisting of representatives from every department within the organisation.
Supporting DHHS Supported Playgroup Facilitators Throughout the Pandemic
Throughout 2020 Playgroup Victoria continued to facilitate Community of Practice groups across Victoria for the DHHS Supported Playgroup Facilitators. Each term the facilitators looked forward to connecting with each other, sharing ideas and practices. The involvement of the Parenting Research Centre implantation team encouraged a holistic view on the facilitators practice and support. This collaborative partnership enhanced the sessions to be informative and supportive. Due to the pandemic, The Playgroup Development team took on a new approach to Communities of Practice by facilitating the sessions virtually. Term 2 saw the team facilitate 33 virtual sessions for playgroup facilitators to come together. These sessions provided an opportunity for the playgroup facilitators to share their experiences and ideas during a turbulent time. The strength-based approach to the sessions, inspired and supported the playgroup facilitators to positively self-reflect on the practice. The virtual model sustained higher participation from the playgroup facilitators throughout the term and established new methods of communication to stay connected with families.
First Time Parent Group Transition to Baby Playgroup – A Continuing Project
From 2017- 2019, Playgroup Victoria partnered with the Maternal and Child Health Service (MCH) and the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) to develop strategies to support MCH nurses to enhance the transition of First-Time Parent Groups (FTPG) to become baby playgroups. This project resulted in an engaging suite of resources for nurses to provide to new parents. Playgroup Victoria designed a comprehensive and contemporary model to engage MCH nurses, and allied staff, who work with FTPG. These resources were used to promote playgroup and to assist new parents to convert their group to a baby playgroup, register with Playgroup Victoria and join a nurturing email journey together. The nurturing journey collateral was designed and developed to provide messages and information about the benefits of playgroup for parents.The previous collaborative and respectful partnership developed in the earlier project stood us in good stead to further this project, ensuring Playgroup Victoria could connect with every Local Government Area MCH team in Victoria to assist and support their transition work. To date, the team has received valuable and exciting feedback from many teams and nurses.
Primary Prevention and Public Health Messaging
Throughout 2020 and 2021 the two well-known primary prevention programs, All Come Out To Play! (ACOTP!) and Move It 4 Kids (MI4K), were able to reach over 4224 parents and 5613 children via the online interactive Playgroup at Home LIVE sessions. Although designed to be delivered face-to-face and in-person, their pivot to online sessions was highly successful and well received, as demonstrated by the numbers of families tuning in and participating in these fun, music and comedy sessions. Funding for MI4K finished in June, 2021, with efforts to seek additional funding continuing into 2021/2022. The gender equality program All Come Out To Play! was refunded in June 2021 for another two years through the Office for Women.
Amanda Testro from Hullabaloo Music running an online music-based playgroup session
Online Workshops for Community Playgroups
As restrictions lifted and Victorian community playgroups began navigating their return to in-person playgroups, Playgroup Victoria staff recognised that many playgroup leaders were exploring ways to restart playgroup. From overcoming challenges and understanding barriers due to the pandemic, to engaging new families in playgroup, local playgroups were eager to re-establish themselves once more. Playgroup Victoria launched the Spring into Playgroup workshop series in September 2021. This focused on a series of short, live and interactive online workshops open to all playgroup leaders, families and professionals. Facilitated by the Playgroup Development team, the workshops were designed to be a place for participants to learn and share with each other. This first workshop series had a total of 263 participants attending 10 workshops. Workshop topics included: Activities Promoting Play, Connecting to Your Local Community, Navigating Challenging Situations, Connecting Your Playgroup – Use of Social Media, Setting up the Playgroup Space and Running Your Playgroup. Due to the popularity of the workshops and requests for more topics to be delivered, the team continued to plan and facilitate a range of workshops each term across 2022.
National Playgroup Week 2021
Rethinking Membership Model to Cater to Wider Needs. Free Family Membership Launched!
In the spirit on inclusion Playgroup Victoria switched its membership model to offer Free Family Membership. As part of this change, community playgroups needed to only pay $50 to register their playgroup. All families were able to attend playgroup, regardless of their individual financial constraints. Playgroup Registration came with a range of benefits including insurance, support for running a playgroup, play ideas, resources and exclusive event opportunities.
2022
The challenges faced over the last two years continued to keep all Victorians alert, but it was wonderful to finally have a sense of normality creeping back. Playgroup Victoria thought it the perfect opportunity to includes reenergising the organisational vision: “All Victorians Value And Benefit From Playgroup,” which, from feedback through the annual survey of Family Members has reinforced the importance families place on access to and participation in playgroup. Families embraced the return to in-person playgroup sessions. Comments from parents included that the best parts of playgroup for them is was the peer support aspect and the friendships that develop through catching up with fellow parents face-to-face.
2022 Membership stats:
8,073 Family members
1,162 registered playgroups
577 professional affiliates
Reconciliation Action Plan Launch and Ceremony
In March 2022, Playgroup Victoria launched the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The Playgroup Victoria Reconciliation Action Plan recognised the important relationships Playgroup Victoria has with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and pays respect to Elders past, present and future. Playgroup Victoria is committed to embedding First Nations peoples’ histories, cultures, knowledge and perspectives in our work as an organisation, in our work with stakeholders and with playgroups.
Thursday the 17th of March 2022 was a momentous day. Not only was it the official launch of the Playgroup Victoria Reconciliation Action Plan, it was also the first time that the Playgroup Victoria staff had been together as a group face to face for well over a year as a result of the pandemic and state-wide lockdowns. Alongside visitors and First Nations guests, staff gathered on the front lawn of the Albert street office, on Woiworung Country. Beneath the tall gumtree, Uncle Bill Nicholson shared the history and stories of the Wurundjeri people of the area. Staff watched on as Uncle Bill conducted a very moving smoking ceremony for all attending.
Smoking Ceremony Brunswick 2022
Playgroup Participation and The Impact of the Ongoing Pandemic
2021-2022 was an adjustment period. Playgroup Victoria continued to update families with relevant resources and support those who were ready to attend in-person playgroup sessions again. The online playgroup sessions still enabled families to participate in playgroup from wherever they were. They continued to bring a rhythm and routine to the week, along with a sense of belonging. As 2022 began, many families enjoyed a blend of online and in-person playgroup experiences as Victoria made the transition out of restrictions. Online playgroup sessions ran consistently until June 2022. The Playgroup Victoria team decided to return focus to supporting families and playgroups to meet again face to face.
Online Playgroup Snapshot 1st July 2021 - 30th June 2022
173 online playgroup sessions run
5,856 adults attended
6,945 children attended
12,801 over number of participants
Playgroup Victoria Says Farewell to The Mytime Program
Due to an unsuccessful re-tender process, after 15 years of running the MyTime program, 2022 saw Playgroup Victoria saying goodbye, not only to the program, but to several staff. It was an emotion-charged year for staff and families who were not sure whether their jobs, or the groups would continue. While this was a significant program for the organisation, given its broader focus on school-age children, it was also not completely aligned with the purpose and strategic plan, which has the first five years of life as the primary focus.
Playgroup Victoria managed to transition two MyTime groups into the PlayConnect program because they had a high number of children with Autism. Playgroup Victoria extended gratitude to Down Syndrome Victoria who was awarded the new funding contract and worked tirelessly to facilitate a smooth transition of the program, the staff and all the groups. The cessation of MyTime was unplanned and along with the impact of the lockdowns in 2021, the Playgroup Victoria financial position was significantly impacted.
Wonderful World of Playgroup Community Facebook Page Re-Launched
During lockdown, Playgroup Victoria renamed the Facebook community group to support families and the early years community while at home - Playgroup at Home it became. While the Playgroup at Home resources, services and online sessions were still available, in July 2022 the group returned to its original name - The Wonderful World of Playgroup.
The Facebook group is where Playgroup Victoria encourages playgroups to post about their play days and all the fun they get up to at playgroup. They can share ideas with each other and Playgroup Victoria continues to share play inspiration, resources, stories, articles, event opportunities and giveaways.
Inclusion at Playgroup
Play and Learn Supported (PALS) Playgroups
Federal government funding was received to run the inclusive Play and Learn Supported (PALS) Playgroup program. These playgroups, were for children of all abilities, together with their care-givers, to learn and play together with sport, art and recreational activities, as a focus. With eight groups operating in partnership with St Kilda Football Club, The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden at the Royal Botanical Gardens and Bam Arts, families reported that they were excited by this inclusive model.
Free Disability and Inclusion Support and Training for Community Playgroups
The PlayTogether program saw training, mentoring and support to volunteer led community playgroups to be able to welcome all children to their playgroup.
The Playgroup Statement Launch
In October 2022, Australia’s first Playgroup Statement was launched. The Playgroup Statement represents the collective efforts of a National Advisory Group committed to the universal recognition of the contribution playgroups make to family support and early childhood development outcomes. Read more about the Playgroup Statement HERE.
More Highlights from 2022
Playgroup Victoria played a supporting role with the Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative – Milla Milla Playgroup in presenting and cohosting their own online playgroup sessions for the community.
An Intergenerational Playgroup Framework was developed and delivered
Playgroup Victoria joined a National Advisory Group to formulate a Declaration on Playgroups
PEEP LTP pilot project was run with Silverton Primary School in Dandenong
PEEP training increased and a network developed
Stronger focuses on intergenerational playgroups and baby community playgroups
2023
Heading into 2023, Playgroup Victoria was awarded philanthropic, local and state government grants, totalling $143,000. Being selected in these competitive programs enabled the organisation to create and continue a range of exciting and important programs for Victorian families including:
The development of a new playgroup model that supports children with and without disabilities to connect and play together called PlayBuddies
Partnering with the local community in Sunbury to build capacity and diversity of playgroups thanks to the state government’s Big Build Project
Collaborating with other state and territory playgroup organisations on a research project to better understand what motivates volunteers to set-up and run community playgroups, thanks to funding from the Ian Potter Foundation
Reconciliation and The Koorie Playgroup Network
Playgroup Victoria, along with the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc. (VAEAI), and the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA), reestablished the Koorie Playgroup Network. The network met in person with playgroup workers from VACCA’s Eastern, Southern, Western and Northern playgroups. Facilitators from the Milla Milla Playgroup (Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Operative) also attended.
Playgroup Champions - Celebrating and Awarding Local Efforts
To celebrate National Playgroup Week 2023, Playgroup Victoria re-launched the Playgroup Champion Award. Families, carers and early years professionals were invited to nominate their Playgroup Champions in March 2023. In the middle of April, the Playgroup Champion and runners up were announced. The Playgroup Champion stories demonstrated the power of local connections and contributions, which support the wellbeing of families and the wider community. The people who nominated Playgroup Champions highlighted the many hardworking, caring, considerate and enthusiastic people who bring playgroup to life and strengthen early years experiences.
Playgroup Champion 2023 Winner - Amelia Weir, Kardinia Playgroup
Runners Up - Jess Conway, Leopold Playgroup and Jemma Straub, Raywood Playgroup
Jess Conway, Leopold Playgroup
Jemma Straub, Raywood Playgroup
All Come Out to Play! Continues To Grow
Over the six years the ALL Come Out to Play! show has been shown to raise awareness about gender stereotypes and ways to promote equality. Across 2023 the team worked with 12 organisations. This years iteration of All Come Out to Play! focused on supporting and assisting early years professionals to engage with and utilise the various resources and materials. These were designed to improve gender equality knowledge and practices, thereby enhancing and embedding gender equality in their programs and unique settings more successfully. All Come Out to Play! has been funded for a further two years by the Department of Family Fairness and Housing, from July 2023 to June 2025. The program will engage early years professionals and link with organisations and platforms to share the full range of resources and training.
Rebuilding and Supporting Community Connections at Playgroup - A Partnership Between Playgroup Victoria and Mornington Peninsula Shire
The pandemic had a big impact on the vitality and visibility of playgroups in local communities. Playgroup Victoria partnered with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to reinvigorate playgroups in the government area, over a 12-month period. The goals of the project were to:
Increase stakeholder awareness of the benefits of playgroups for children, their parents, families and the community post-pandemic
Engage new parents in the playgroup journey
Regenerate the community playgroup platform by saving existing playgroups
Increase playgroup numbers in the shire
A Change for the PlayConnect program
From 2009 to the end of 2022, Playgroup Victoria delivered the PlayConnect playgroup program. PlayConnect was a federally funded program, available across the country. It was a free, safe and supported playgroup program for children on the Autism Spectrum (or with developmental delays or behavioural concerns) and their families. This long running program saw a change at the beginning of 2023. A new program, PlayConnect+ was born, drawing on the experiences and learning gathered through the original PlayConnect playgroups model.
Other highlights from 2023:
Online workshop for community playgroups continued with the Connect and Create workshop series.
Nine News featured a prime time story about a local grandparents playgroup, watch story HERE
The Development and Support team continued to offer ongoing support to the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) Supported Playgroup Program. This support was given to facilitators through Communities of Practice sessions in 10 regions across Victoria.
The Play and Learn Supported (PALS) Playgroup program continued to thrive. PALS Playgroups supported families, creating opportunities for them to connect, build awareness and foster inclusive communities. By the end of 2023, eight PALS playgroups were in operation, supporting more than 160 families, with waiting lists exceeding demand.
Playgroup Victoria partnered up with several organisations and businesses to promote their offerings to our audience. These included: Play School Concert Series, Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland, One Fine Baby Expo, Pram People, Zoom Kites and LEGO DUPLO. Alongside our partners, we collaborated to create engagement opportunities and offers for families and playgroups.
Development of partnership with local online magazine MamaMag. Playgroup Victoria contributed an article and a full page ad to each edition.
2024
In 2024, Playgroup Victoria continues to grow and develop. While much has changed in society over the past 50 years what playgroup is and why playgroup is needed, has not. Research continues to build about the importance of the early years and the connections made during this time. The early years have far reaching impacts later in life and we are working to make these years the best yet! There are vast opportunities for intergenerational relationships within the early years and beyond which enrich life for young and older alike.
50 Years Made Special at National Playgroup Week Teddy Bears Picnic
Playgroup Victoria held a huge playgroup in the park event to celebrate National Playgrup Week and the 50 year anniversary. Children’s band The Mik Maks performed, as too did DJ Bec from Bop till you Drop. Melissa from Auslan Stage Left was as engaging and bright as ever. Other actvties included Face Painting, Giant Bubbles and two big Pop-Up Playgroups. The local community brought this event to life and made it such an enjoyable day.
Teddy Bears Picnic 2024
Farewell To the Log Cabin
Due to council development happening on the Albert Street site, after more than 30 years, the Playgroup Victoria team said goodbye to the log cabin in April 2024, securing a new head office space, just down the road in Essendon. A closed down aged care facility has now become the new home to Playgroup Victoria.
Happy Birthday Playgroup Victoria!
As Playgroup Victoria celebrated 50 years during 2024, we were thrilled to receive birthday wishes from many special people, helping to create a video time capsule to celebrate the last 50 years of playgroup. Watch the video messages here!
