Playgroup rebuilds around new volunteers

A SURGE in new families and volunteers has revived the Ballina Little Penguins Playgroup, which had struggled with low numbers following the COVID-19 pandemic and 2022 floods.

The playgroup, established 50 years ago, briefly closed after the floods before a group of dedicated volunteers stepped in to keep it running.

Little Penguins coordinator Liz Stokes said she was encouraged to take on the role after learning the playgroup might shut down without volunteers.

“I was encouraged to step in when a friend mentioned the playgroup might shut down without a volunteer,” she said.

“As a new resident of Ballina, I was disappointed to find there was no mothers’ group. I was relying on a mother’s group to make new friends and found there were limited spaces to connect with other parents.”

The group has since grown to around 30 children and their parents, with demand so high that there is now a waiting list most weeks.

The playgroup recently received a special visit from the local fire brigade as part of National Playgroup Week, with children excited to see the fire truck’s lights and hear its siren.

Fire and Rescue NSW visited the little penguins group at Ballina during the week. Photo: EVANNA KELLY.

“The first session I ran had just six kids. I managed the sessions solo for three months until other parents began volunteering to help,” Ms Stokes said.

Angela Nebelung stepped in when Ms Stokes had her second child in 2023 and remains a key organiser.

Ms Stokes, a former primary school teacher, said she has drawn on her experience to shape the playgroup’s activities.

“Our six-week activity rotation incorporates everything from fine and gross motor skills to imaginative and STEM-based creative play,” she said. “We also have a new craft or sensory play activity every week.”

Zac The Coffee Guy is a regular, while Woolworths at Ballina Fair donates a fresh fruit box for a healthy morning tea each week.

“Our main goal is to make it the ultimate parent hangout by having a fun and relaxing experience for everyone who attends,” Ms Stokes said.

The group meets every Monday from 9.30am to 11.30am with a $5 fee per family.

Families can register via the Ballina Little Penguins Playgroup Facebook page after signing up with Playgroup NSW.