Grants promote early play

SIX Ballarat playgroups will receive grants up to one-thousand dollars from the State government’s Great Start Community Playgroup Grants.

Sharing a $50,000 pool with other groups across the State, Eco Kids at St Columba’s Primary School, Yuille Park Buddies, Warrenheip Playgroup, Our Lady Help of Christians Playgroup, Sebastopol Community Playgroup, and German Language Playgroup are receiving grants.

Eco Kids has been allocated funding for indigenous toys and tools to create a veggie garden, while Yuille Park Buddies will be able to buy craft materials, educational activities, books and equipment for indoor play.

Warrenheip Playgroup’s grant will fund musical instruments, craft materials and outdoor equipment, and Our Lady of Help Christians Playgroup will buy craft supplies, mats, indoor play materials, and gardening tools for their vegetable patch.

Cultural resources like indigenous dolls, flags, books and craft materials will be purchased by Sebastopol Community Playgroup, while the German Language Playgroup will source German books and a small borrowing library for families.

Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison said the fun of a playgroup feeds children’s personal growth and gets families socialising.

“Playgroups in Ballarat help promote the development of babies and toddlers by involving them in play that stimulates their curiosity and love of learning,” Ms Addison said.

“They can make a big difference by connecting families in our community so they can support each other.”

Around the state, over 40,000 children are involved with a playgroup each year. The grants also include registration with Playgroup Victoria and mentor support for playgroup leaders.