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)
Day/time: Tuesdays, 10am-11.30am
Contact: Genna Parker via Facebook
Fee: Annual fee of $30.00 per family.
Kerang MDAS Roving Playgroup (for parents with ATSI children)
Location: 11 Nolan Street, Kerang
Day/time: Tuesdays, 10am-11.30am
Contact: Connor (0409 763 369)
Kethawil Pembengguk Indigenous Playgroup
Location: Northern District Community Health (30 Fitzroy Street, Kerang)
Day/time: Every second Monday, 10am-12 noon
Contact: Casey - (03) 5451 0200 or Casey.Hancock@ndch.org.au
Fee: No cost.
Lake Charm Playgroup
Location: Lake Charm Primary School (1921 Murray Valley Highway)
Time: Fridays 10am-12 noon
Contact: Karlee (0434 645 639)
Fee: Gold coin donation.
Murrabit Playgroup
Location: Murrabit Family Hub (Gonn Avenue, Murrabit)
Day/time: First and third Mondays of each month, 9.30am-11.30am
Contact: 5457 2205 or murrabit1@bigpond.com
Fee: Gold coin donation
St Mary's Playgroup
Location: 51 King Edward Street, Cohuna
Day/time: Wednesdays, 9.30-10.30am
Contact: Alex (5456 2062)
Fee: No cost
Supported Playgroup - Cohuna and Kerang (incorporating smalltalk program)
Locations
Cohuna: Cohuna Maternal and Child Health Centre (18 Market Street)
Kerang: Gannawarra Shire Children's Centre (2 Murray Street)
Time
Cohuna: Thursdays, 10am-12 noon
Kerang: Tuesdays, 10am-12 noon
Contact: Fleur (0407 548 643)
Fee: No cost
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.
Please see below various resources that may be of assistance for playgroup organisers:
Professional Development for Group Leaders
- The Playgroup Victoria website features support , information and online resources for playgroup leaders
- The Early Childhood Australia website features free articles about professional practice, as well as a learning hub that includes online learning modules and webinars (tax-deductible costs may be involved)
- Kidsafe Victoria's website includes factsheets and brochures
- The Let's Read website includes e-learning modules (tax-deductible cost involved) and free downloadable resources
- The Little Big Book Club website features information about age-appropriate books and matching activity and song ideas, as well as access to professional learning workshops
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.
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