Nearest Playgroup
To find your nearest Playgroup or to start a new playgroup, call 1800 171 882 or select your state below.
National Playgroup Week 22 March to 28 March 2009
National Playgroup Week brings families together!
Playgroup Australia, in partnership with State and Territory Playgroup Associations and major national sponsor Tyres & More, will celebrate National Playgroup Week from 22 to 28 March 2009.
Families with kids under school age, whether they participate in playgroup or not, are invited to take part in fun events to be held in every state and territory.
It’s a perfect time for parents with babies and children under five to find out about playgroups near them, and to discover what playgroup is about.
Executive Officer of Playgroup Australia, Karen Merange, said the annual event brought together thousands of families in every corner of Australia, and was a week devoted to play for the under fives and their families.
"This year’s theme is ‘Playgroup: bringing families together!’ and it really sums up what’s great about playgroups. Playgroup helps families connect with each other and with their local community." she said. "So many parents say the contact with other families with young kids is just so incredibly helpful," she said.
Playgroup is an informal session where mums, dads, grandparents, caregivers, children and babies meet up in a relaxed environment. The adults stay to interact with other adults and to play with their children.
Ms Merange expects that with the recent ‘baby boom’, many new families will join a playgroup in 2009.
Currently over 108,000 families regularly participate in playgroup at halls, neighbourhood centres, churches, private homes and parks and that figure is growing.
There’s really no typical playgroup these days. You’ll see families from all walks of life at playgroup.
"It’s wonderful that two national programs funded by the Australian Government are helping even more families access playgroups relevant to their needs. Supported Playgroups, and PlayConnect Playgroups for families with children with autism, bring families with similar experiences together in really beneficial ways," she said.
Ms Merange said that National Playgroup Week would feature a massive giveaway of Vegemite Little Aussie Reader scrapbooks thanks to major sponsor Tyres & More, who make car care child’s play with 73 stores Australia-wide.
Minor sponsors include The Bub Hub (internet website), Vegemite, and Copeland Publishing (parenting magazines).
To find out what’s on during National Playgroup Week call 1800 171 882 (toll free)
