To find your nearest Playgroup or to start a new playgroup, call us on the toll free number 1800 171 882

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and Social Inclusion, Julia Gillard visited Bubbles Autism Playgroup at the DJ Cunningham Centre at Melton South in Victoria on Friday 7 March 2008.  

During her 35 minute visit, the Minister met and spoke with all parents attending the playgroup and other invited guests who have been involved with the playgroup since its inception.

Bubbles Autism Playgroup initially started under the national Supported Playgroup Program in mid 2006. Following a successful ‘transition’ it is now continuing as a community playgroup for families with children with autism spectrum disorder.

Parent convener Simone Werk wrote to Julia Gillard prior to the November 2007 election, inviting her to come along to the playgroup to see the positive difference that it is making for parents with children with autism in Melton. During the Deputy PM’s visit, Simone accompanied and introduced Julia Gillard to everyone present and explained their respective roles in relation to the playgroup.

Playgroup Australia staff were also there to provide additional information to the Minister and her advisers about other similar Supported Playgroups for children with autism spectrum disorder throughout Australia. 

Playgroup Australia’s Executive Officer Karen Merange believes the Minister’s playgroup visit is recognition of the importance of the Supported Playgroup Program.

“We were thrilled that Minister Gillard accepted Simone’s invitation and was able to make time to visit the playgroup. The Supported Playgroup Program, which is funded by the Australian Government, is extremely important in the work carried out by our state and territory associations and Ms Gillard was able to see first hand the experiences that both the children and their parents/caregivers receive through the program,” Ms Merange said. 

Executive Officer of Playgroup Victoria Kaye Plowman said that the Bubbles playgroup exemplified the value of participation in playgroup for families with children who have autism.  

“The Bubbles Autism Playgroup is an example of the positive impact of the Australian Government’s investment in capacity-building programs. It’s a program that gives families the skills and confidence to run their own playgroup, and develop support networks that extend beyond the playgroup and into the wider community," Ms Plowman said. 

Bubbles autism playgroup is one of more than 150 playgroups which have been established as a result of the Supported Playgroup Program, ensuring that over a thousand Australian families who face additional parenting and social challenges are able to participate in playgroups.

For more information about Supported Playgroups call 1800 171 882 to connect with your Playgroup Association. There is also information online at www.playgroupaustralia.com.au