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“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.<\/p>\n
Angela Nebelung stepped in when Ms Stokes had her second child in 2023 and remains a key organiser.<\/p>\n
Ms Stokes, a former primary school teacher, said she has drawn on her experience to shape the playgroup’s activities.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Zac The Coffee Guy is a regular, while Woolworths at Ballina Fair donates a fresh fruit box for a healthy morning tea each week.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
The group meets every Monday from 9.30am to 11.30am with a $5 fee per family.<\/p>\n
Families can register via the Ballina Little Penguins Playgroup Facebook page after signing up with Playgroup NSW.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n