About Us

Playgroup Victoria is a not-for-profit, incorporated association committed to helping all Victorian families discover the benefits of playgroup. We advocate for the benefits of play in a child’s early years of learning and act as a support base for communities and families wanting to start and successfully run a playgroup.

During the late ’60s and early ’70s, hundreds of playgroups scattered throughout Melbourne and country Victoria. There became a need for some cohesion and networking between these groups and parents wanting to start and join playgroups. In response to the need, a group of hard-working volunteers came together and invited playgroups and interested people to ring in for advice and support. The response was so great that in 1974, the Victorian Playgroup Association was formed. Its goals were to set up an advisory service, fulfil the need for workshops, lectures and discussions related to parenthood and life with children, and liaise with local, state and federal governments.

50 years on, Playgroup Victoria is still working to ensure families have access to and can participate in Playgroup. Playgroup has evolved to include grandparents, bush and dads Playgroups. In 2025 there are more than 3,000 sessions of Playgroup running in over 2,000 venues across Victoria.

Funding from the Commonwealth and State Governments has enabled Playgroup Victoria to develop a Community Development model of support. This place base approach ensures the needs of the community are understood which fosters relationships within local early childhood services to be developed.

The Stories of Playgroup Over Time

We have rummaged through the Playgroup Victoria archives, finding treasures gathered over fifty years, since the Playgroup Victorian Association began. Take a look for yourself and marvel at how much has changed (the fashion for one), yet the core pillars of playgroup- community, friendship, kindness, early years support and connection- holds steady.

Playgroups have a special place in the life of Australians, creating ties that carry through and make us reflect and think fondly, ‘Remember when…’

Playgroup Victoria is an Incorporated Association, over seen by a voluntary Board of Governance. Playgroup Victoria is endorsed as a Tax Concession Charity (TCC) by the Australian Tax Office and has Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) for all its activities.