How to join a playgroup

Playgroup WA has more than 500 playgroups throughout Western Australia. To find where your nearest playgroup is located:

• Check the Search Playgroups page on this website
• email hotline@playgroupwa.com.au
• telephone 1800 171 882 (freecall) or 9228 8088

If you have specific requirements from a playgroup such as a certain day of the week or a babies’ group for example, we will search for the nearest playgroup to meet your needs.

How to become a Playgroup WA member

If you join a playgroup that is a member of Playgroup WA, you will automatically become a family member of Playgroup WA once you have paid the designated fee. This fee is collected by your playgroup and forwarded to Playgroup WA on your behalf.

Membership fees

Families pay an annual membership fee. Membership entitles families and playgroups to many benefits including insurance cover. Everyone joining a playgroup that is a member of Playgroup WA is required to pay the Membership Fee. In 2008 Family Membership Fees are $27 per family for the year. Membership runs from February 1, 2008 to January 31, 2009 but you may join at any time.

Associate playgroup membership

This is available to playgroups that do not require full Family Membership. Fees are currently $60 per year for playgroups running one or two sessions and $100 per year for playgroups running three or more sessions. Details of the benefits and conditions of this membership are available from the Playgroup WA office. Please note; Associate Member Playgroups will need to provide proof that they have adequate insurance cover before being considered for this membership.

Individual membership

This is available to individuals and organisations that wish to have an association with Playgroup WA. Members receive our publications and can access fee for service training. Membership fees are currently $50 per year.

How to Start a Playgroup

If you cannot find a playgroup to suit your needs or you wish to start a playgroup with a particular group of friends or with a particular focus, Playgroup WA can help you get started.

Contact Playgroup WA and ask to speak to one of the Development Officers. They can answer any questions you have and talk you through the starting up process. You can also ask for a special “How to Start a Playgroup” package.

Special interest groups might include:

• a group of new parents who met through the local Child Health Clinic
• a group of Dads
• grandparents
• intergenerational groups in aged care facilities
• families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• families from a new suburb or housing development
• young parents
• families with a child who has an additional need

To become a member playgroup of Playgroup WA you need just three fee-paying families to become registered.