Playgroups

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Overview

Playgroups bring young children, parents, families and communities together to learn and develop through informal play activities and social interaction. Playgroups help parents and caregivers build social and support networks that encourage and assist them in their valuable parenting role.

They help families to have fun and relax and to build friendships that last beyond playgroup. Playgroups work best when they are inclusive of all, creating an open, welcoming and friendly environment for all children and their families, no matter their circumstances, backgrounds or cultural identity.

At playgroup you get to meet other people going through similar experiences, ease the isolation that can come with caring for young children and find out about local community, health and support services

 Playgroup locations and contact details:

Kerang Baptist Playgroup

Location: Kerang Baptist Church (57 Fitzroy Street, Kerang)

Contact: Hayley - 0402 249 825

Fee: Annual fee of $30.00 per family, plus $2.00 per family, per week, to cover the cost of morning tea.

Kethawil Pembengguk Indigenous Playgroup

Location: Northern District Community Health (30 Fitzroy Street, Kerang)

Contact: Damien and Casey - (03) 5451 0200

Fee: No cost. Morning tea and lunch are provided

 

Mrs Mac's Play Group

Location: St Mary's Primary School, Cohuna (51 King Edward Street, Cohuna)

Contact: Julie - 0428 163 049

Fee: Annual fee of $10.00.

 

Murra-Bubs & Playgroup

Location: Murrabit Childcare Centre (Gonn Avenue, Murrabit)

Contact: Emma - 0427 707 018

Facebook page: Click here

Fee: Please bring a piece of fruit to share.

Lake Charm Playgroup

Location: Lake Charm Primary School (2 Murray Street, Kerang)

Time: Every Friday 10am-12 noon

Contact: Karlee (0434 645 639 or lakecharmplaygroup@hotmail.com)

Facebook page: Click here

Fee: Gold coin donation.

 

 


smalltalk Supported Playgroup

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Supported Playgroup is for families including mums, dads, aunts, uncles, grandparents or carers, and their children aged from birth to school age. A trained professional facilitates play and interactions in a stimulating environment.            

The playgroup incorporates the elements of smalltalk and models everyday opportunities and activities with coaching and support to have a go at home. smalltalk is about child development and how parents can support it. The early experiences children have lay the foundation for their brain development. Parents have an important part in this process through their interactions with their children.

Interactions include;

  • Warm and Gentle
  • Tuning in
  • Following the child’s lead
  • Listening and talking
  • Teachable moments
  • Reading

smalltalk also links families with community and local services and information, helps build confidence, and offers ideas on how parents can look after themselves.

Playgroups are held at various locations within the Gannawarra Shire. Some families are also eligible for In-Home Coaching to support using the smalltalk strategies in their homes.

Sound interesting? Phone (03) 5452 1357.

 


Playgroup resources

Please see below various resources that may be of assistance for playgroup organisers:

Professional Development for Group Leaders

Online library resources

The Gannawarra Library Service's e-library web page features information relating to services members can access for free. These include:

  • Story Box Library's catalogue of online, animated stories read by well-known Australians;
  • Beamafilm's range of movies and documentaries, which includes a children's section; and
  • Borrowbox's collection of eBooks and audio books. 

Activity design websites

 

Parenting advice websites

  • Created by the Australian Government Department of Social Services, the Raising Children Network website provides ad-free parenting videos, articles and apps backed by Australian experts
  • Catholic Care Sandhurst delivers high quality family and relationship services which are available to all people
  • ReachOut is Australia's leading online mental health organisation for young people and their parents