Playgroups

What is a Playgroup?

Playgroup is an informal session where mums, dads, grandparents, caregivers, children and babies meet together in a relaxed environment.

Playgroups are set up and run by parents and caregivers, with children choosing from a range of activities set up to meet their varying needs. Activities at playgroup are either free or low cost, and may include:

• Music and singing
• Imaginative play
• Outdoor and free play
• Art and craft activities
• Outings

Playgroup can be held anywhere that is safe for children and where groups of people can meet, such as community and neighbourhood centres, health clinics, women's centres, kindergartens, church halls and even in someone's house.

In a playgroup, parents and caregivers stay to interact with the other adults and to play with the children.

No child is too young for playgroup. All children from 0-5 years, including babies, love new experiences and benefit from developing sensory, social and communication skills through activities at playgroup.

What is a Supported Playgroup?

Supported Playgroups provide opportunities for parents and children who would not normally access a playgroup to enhance their relationship in a supportive environment, increase their skills and confidence, and to develop valuable social and family support networks. Supported Playgroups aim to empower families to support young children's development through provision and participation in a variety of developmentally appropriate play, experiences and activities.

Supported Playgroups usually meet once a week for two hours, and are facilitated by a Coordinator. The Supported Playgroup Coordinator works with families attending the playgroup for between three and twenty-four months, to help them develop the skills to participate in and run their playgroup independently.  The Supported Playgroup Coordinator may also assist parents by providing parenting information and referrals to other family services.

There are more than 80 playgroups that meet in Brimbank each week.

For a list of Playgroups in Brimbank click here.

Start a New Playgroup

Further Information

For further information on days and times available and for your closest playgroup contact:

Nicole O’Neill-Fitzgerald – Brimbank Playgroup Development Officer
Ph. 9249 4365 or email: playgroups@brimbank.vic.gov.au
for Albanvale, Cairnlea, Deer Park, Delahey, Derrimut and Kings Park

Tanya Genova - Brimbank Playgroup Development Officer
Ph. 9249 4891 or email: playgroups@brimbank.vic.gov.au  
for  Kealba, Keilor, Keilor Downs, Keilor Park, Sydenham and Taylors Lakes

Nathalie Molina - ISIS Primary Care, Playgroup Development Worker
Ph. 9313 5018 or email nathalie.molina@isispc.com.au 
for Albion, Ardeer, St Albans and Sunshine

Playgroup Victoria also maintains a current list of associations, registered member groups and contact people: 1800 171 882 or www.playgroup.org.au.