Local playgroups to get funding

THE state government has announced funding for new community playgroups across the state.

Minister for Early Childhood Education Jenny Mikakos last week announced 50 playgroups have been successful in receiving a 2018 Great Start Community Playgroup grant to help them establish themselves.

The $50,000 investment will provide new community playgroups with funding to stock up on items such as toys, books, arts and crafts kits, as well as mentoring support and registration with Playgroup Victoria.

Community playgroups across Victoria have been successful in receiving a grant – from Ballarat to Torquay and from Reservoir to Pakenham – with the program targeted towards regional and growth areas or locations where few groups exist.

Ms Mikakos said that community playgroups were an opportunity for parents and children to make new friends, learn from each other and hear about local services and supports.

“We are helping more parents across Victoria access these valuable community playgroups closer to home.”

Playgroup Victoria chief executive officer Danny Schwarz said his organisation was pleased to be able to support new community playgroups in partnership with the state government.

“Community playgroups support children’s development as well as parents in an engaging and welcoming environment.”

Community playgroups provide opportunities for children to learn through play and parents to spend time with their children while meeting other parents in their community and supporting each other.

More than 40,000 children and 30,000 families participate in community playgroups in Victoria each year.