Playgroup in the News and Media

August 13, 2024

The Maryborough District Advertiser

 

Playgroup Victoria has partnered with the Havilah aged care facility to bring multiple generations together to learn, share, connect and play.

“You get to see those smiles, you get to see how people age and how people grow, and it just brings so much joy and engagement from everyone in the community.”– Playgroup Victoria Central Goldfields FLAG site officer, Donna Parry

Read More

Full article published by the Maryborough District Advertiser

August 6, 2024

The Maryborough District Advertiser

 

Playgroup Victoria is inviting residents to create friendships and memories for kids and carers thanks to the Helping Families Learn and Grow through Playgroup (FLAG) initiative.

“The aim is to support and advocate for the playgroup platform in [the shire]- create opportunities for families to meet, support new playgroups and bring together relevant and like-minded professionals and community members to advocate for playgroups long-term.”

Read More

Full article published by the Maryborough District Advertiser

March 24, 2024

9News, Melbourne

 

Playgroup Victoria celebrates 50 year milestone with grassroots community event in the park. The Teddy Bears Picnic event welcomed all who have been part of playgroup- past and present.

March 23, 2024

Saturday Breakfast with Alice Zaslavsky, ABC Melbourne Radio

 

“It takes a village to raise a child.” The power of playgroup over time. Playgroup Victoria CEO Danny Schwarz shares more about Playgroup Victoria’s history and purpose- and all the goodness that is to come, including the organisation’s Teddy Bears Picnic Party in the Park, commemorating National Playgroup Week and 50 years of Playgroup Victoria.

Listen HERE

March 21, 2024

Melbourne Breakfast with Sammy J, ABC Melbourne Radio

 

Playgroup Victoria’s Teddy Bears Picnic event was featured on Margaret Paul’s Map of Melbourne segment. As it turns out, two ABC colleagues have a long history- stretching back to their days at playgroup.

Listen HERE.

Stream full episode HERE

May 26, 2023

The Courier, Ballarat

 

Amelia Weir from Kardinia Playgroup in Ballarat was recognised as a Playgroup Champion for the work she carries out at her local group.

“For me, a playgroup is a place for community. It’s a chance to connect with other parents and give them encouragement and also to educate about children’s development.”- Amelia Weir

Read full article on HERE or download a copy HERE.

May 20, 2023

9News, Melbourne

 

Not only are grandparents playgroups a huge benefit to the community- strengthening bonds and building support networks- they are a joy for younger and older alike as they share stories, have fun, enjoy new experiences and play! 9 News Melbourne shared this wonderful story, about Arnold’s Creek Grandparents playgroup in Melton.

Watch the full story HERE

March 28, 2023

Mornington News

 

Playgroup Victoria held a Pop-Up Playgroup in Hastings and welcomed local families from the Mornington Peninsula area to come together and celebrate the many benefits of play and connection.

Read full article HERE.

March 23, 2023

The Courier, Ballarat

 

The importance of local playgroups and community connections are celebrated for National Playgroup Week 2023.

“It’s about being present and playing together, and just about being in the moment, which is really important from our perspective.”- Danny Schwarz, Playgroup Victoria CEO

Read full article HERE.

October 21, 2022

Herald Sun, Victoria

 

Playgroup Australia launches a national conversation about the value of playgroups.

Read full article HERE.

October 18, 2022

One Fine Baby Blog

 

10 Reasons Why Playgroup Will Enrich Your Life.

“At playgroup you can source company, understanding, friendship, connection, kindness, joy- and lots of fun along the way.”  

Read full article HERE.

August 30, 2022

Star Weekly, Sunbury/Macedon Ranges

 

Sunbury has secured a second Play and Learn Supported (PALS) playgroup, bringing together children of all abilities to connect through exciting, fun activities.

Read full article HERE.
Download HERE.

July 23, 2022

The Courier, Ballarat

 

“Playgroup brings together multiple generations which is a real benefit to the whole community.”

Read full article HERE.
Download HERE.

March 22, 2022

ABC News, ABC Goulburn Murray

 

“For more than a year, the young children of Wooragee, in north-east Victoria, have been waiting to get together for a play date. Today, after months of pandemic disruption, it’s finally play time.”

Read full article HERE

November 14, 2021

The Age

 

Early playtime eases transition to primary school

“Those of us in the sector have known this for years and years, but there’s an increasing understanding and recognition in the community of just how critical those first five years are for children’s learning and development.”- Lead researcher Professor Susan Edwards

Read full article HERE

 

October 9, 2021

The Courier, Ballarat

 

“Connection is really the main word for the whole thing.” – Playgroup Facilitator, Maureen Hatcher. Read more about Playgroup Victoria’s joyful online intergenerational playgroup below, featured in The Courier.

Access the full article HERE.

September 26, 2021

Sunday Afternoons, ABC Radio

 

Playgroup facilitator Maureen Hatcher spoke with Alice Zaslavsky on ABC Radio Australia‘s Sunday Afternoons program about intergenerational playgroups and the experiences had during Playgroup Victoria’s online sessions. Listen to the full interview below.
September 18, 2021

The Courier, Ballarat

 

“People need people. People, families and children, need that social connection.”- Local playgroup facilitator Louise Buckle-Smith, featured in The Courier. Louise shares news and information about Playgroup Victoria’s online playgroup sessions.

Read full article HERE

August 27, 2021

The Drum, ABC

 

Their Excellencies the Governor-General Mr David Hurley and his wife Mrs Linda Hurley joined us for Playgroup at Home. As it was Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Week, everyone was invited to dress-up as their favourite book or storybook character. Mr and Mrs Hurley read Bertie and the Bear by Pamela Allen. The Governor dressed up as Bertie and Mrs Hurley dressed up as The Cat in the Hat. 

July 22, 2021

Channel 9 News, Melbourne

 

At home activity ideas were shared on 9 News Melbourne for families in lockdown.

 

March 24, 2021

9News Melbourne

 

It’s National Playgroup Week and playgroups are rejoicing as face-to-face sessions resume. After a challenging 2020, Playgroup Victoria has made Family Membership free to reduce any barriers and increase opportunities for families to connect, learn, share and play.

September 1, 2020 

9News Melbourne

 

As many families cannot get to playgroup as a result of the pandemic, Playgroup Victoria is bringing playgroup to families- live and interactive on Zoom. To start the Spring, families were joined by special guests the Governor-General David Hurley and his wife Linda Hurley for storytime. Together with playgroup facilitators, families enjoyed songs, stories and an interactive play activity.

 

September 1, 2020 

9News Melbourne

 

Families joined Playgroup at Home LIVE on Zoom. Playgroup facilitators welcomed families and shared songs, stories and an interactive play activity. Special guests the Governor-General David Hurley and Mrs Linda Hurley read a Mem Fox storybook and sang songs with the families. This initiative has been running since June in order to support families in lockdown as a result of the pandemic.

 

August 22, 2020

ABC, BabyTalk Podcast

 

Playgroup Victoria’s CEO Danny Schwarz, Playgroup Victoria facilitators Louise Buckle-Smith and Naomi Jeffree and mother May Morshedy join BabyTalk host Penny Johnston to share news about Playgroup at Home and the benefits of play and playgroup. 

Listen to the full episode HERE

March 23, 2020

Herald Sun, Melbourne

 

Playgroup Victoria invites families to join them for 20 Days of at Home Play

November 4, 2019

The Echo, Surf Coast and Bellarine

 

Beach Baby Bubs Playgroup connect with share in a calming space.

Read more here

November 14, 2019

Ballarat Win News, Bendigo

 

An intergenerational playgroup brings all ages together to play and connect

Watch full news story here

November 4, 2019

The Courier, Ballarat

 

Sebastopol Primary School Playgroup Hub are a charity partner for this year’s Run For A Cause event in Ballarat. 

Read more here

September 11, 2019

Surf Coast Times 

 

Jan Juc Playgroup has begun the “Wheels for Kids” program, a six-week program about road safety.

Read more here

September 11, 2019

9 News Western Victoria

 

.

View story here

September 11, 2019

The Courier, Ballarat

 

Read more here

March 25, 2019

Nine News Now

 

The Biggest Playgroup at SEA LIFE Melbourne- National Playgroup Week

September 8, 2018

Mamamia

 

A World of their Own – article written by Sinead Halliday on behalf of Playgroup Victoria.  “We lead really isolated lives.” What it’s really like to care for a child with a disability.

Read more here

Sunday May 13, 2018

Weekend Sunrise

 

Me and My Dad Playgroup featured

Watch segment here

Tuesday May 8, 2018

ABC Ballarat

 

Men-only playgroup pushes aside gender stereotypes to provide support for dads.

Read more here

Friday June 29, 2018

This Glorious Mess Podcast, Mamamia

 

Dad’s Only Playgroup

Read more here

April 3, 2018

Radio National- Life Matters

 

Challenging gender stereotypes among kids 

Nursery rhymes are a great way to broaden a child’s language and sense of the world. Yet they also reinforce traditional gender typecasts. Girls ‘n’ Boys Come Out To Play is a collaborative program between Playgroup Victoria and Drummond Street Services. Amanda Testro is a musician and pre-school educator who writes and composes music for the project, while Helen Rimington is Special Projects Officer at Drummond Street.

For both, the program is as much about the parents’ enjoyment as well as the kids’.

Listen to full story here

Monday October 9, 2017 

Radio National- Life Matters 

 

When aged care meets childcare

They say it takes a village to raise a child, yet current childcare models involve limited community engagement. At the other end of the life cycle — aged care removes elderly people from the broader community. Sydney architect, Casey Bryant, is researching international building models to create links between generations and remove this divide. Sinead Halliday from Playgroup Victoria discusses the dynamics when babies and toddlers connect with the elderly.

Listen to full story here

August 10, 2017 

Victoria Parliament, Hansard

 

Mr Ben Carroll, Members Statement
Avondale Heights Grandparents Playgroup 

Parliament Hansard Extract

Local Stories

March 25, 2019

Nine News Melbourne

 

The Biggest Playgroup at SEA LIFE Melbourne

March 22, 2019

East Gippsland News

 

Making a play for funding

Read full article here

March 18, 2019

The Hepburn Advocate

 

Children and parents invited to free event in celebration of National Playground Week

Read full article here

September 1, 2018

The Courier Ballarat

 

Award-winning play group offers supportive role for dads

 

Monday April 30, 2018

The Courier Ballarat

 

Quality time over a pint of coffee and colouring books

Read more here

Tuesday December 5, 2017

Star Weekly, Sunbury & Macedon Ranges

 

Woodend Playgroup wins award for innovation and excellence.

Read more here

November 21, 2017

The Wimmera Mail Times

 

Dimboola Playgroup named the Victorian Community Playgroup of the Year

Read more here

Saturday September 30, 2017

Herald Sun Newspaper

 

Playgroups benefit parents and kids by offering fun and friendship

Read more here

July, 2017

ELC Primary Learning magazine

 

Article by Sinead Halliday on behalf of Playgroup Victoria. Imagery by Sylvia Dardha of Buddha Hands Playgroup

Read more here

Tuesday June 20, 2017

East Gippsland News

 

Making a play for funding

Read more here

Wednesday June 14, 2017

Channel 7 Melbourne

 

Playgroup Victoria’s CEO, Danny Schwarz, spoke about a very important issue: alarm systems installed in child safety seats.

Watch the story here (view at 11:45mins)

March 22, 2022

ABC News, ABC Goulburn Murray

 

“For more than a year, the young children of Wooragee, in north-east Victoria, have been waiting to get together for a play date. Today, after months of pandemic disruption, it’s finally play time.”

Read Full Article HERE

October 9, 2021

The Courier, Ballarat

 

“Connection is really the main word for the whole thing.” – Playgroup Facilitator, Maureen Hatcher. Read more about Playgroup Victoria’s joyful online intergenerational playgroup below, featured in The Courier.

Access the full article HERE.

September 26, 2021

Sunday Afternoons, ABC Radio

 

Playgroup facilitator Maureen Hatcher spoke with Alice Zaslavsky on ABC Radio Australia‘s Sunday Afternoons program about intergenerational playgroups and the experiences had during Playgroup Victoria’s online sessions. Listen to the full interview below.
September 18, 2021

The Courier, Ballarat

 

“People need people. People, families and children, need that social connection.”- Local playgroup facilitator Louise Buckle-Smith, featured in The Courier. Louise shares news and information about Playgroup Victoria’s online playgroup sessions.

Read full article HERE

August 27, 2021

The Drum, ABC

 

Their Excellencies the Governor-General Mr David Hurley and his wife Mrs Linda Hurley joined us for Playgroup at Home. As it was Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Week, everyone was invited to dress-up as their favourite book or storybook character. Mr and Mrs Hurley read Bertie and the Bear by Pamela Allen. The Governor dressed up as Bertie and Mrs Hurley dressed up as The Cat in the Hat. 

July 22, 2021

Channel 9 News, Melbourne

 

At home activity ideas were shared on 9 News Melbourne for families in lockdown.

 

March 24, 2021

9News Melbourne

 

It’s National Playgroup Week and playgroups are rejoicing as face-to-face sessions resume. After a challenging 2020, Playgroup Victoria has made Family Membership free to reduce any barriers and increase opportunities for families to connect, learn, share and play.

September 1, 2020 

9News Melbourne

 

As many families cannot get to playgroup as a result of the pandemic, Playgroup Victoria is bringing playgroup to families- live and interactive on Zoom. To start the Spring, families were joined by special guests the Governor-General David Hurley and his wife Linda Hurley for storytime. Together with playgroup facilitators, families enjoyed songs, stories and an interactive play activity.

 

September 1, 2020 

9News Melbourne

 

Families joined Playgroup at Home LIVE on Zoom. Playgroup facilitators welcomed families and shared songs, stories and an interactive play activity. Special guests the Governor-General David Hurley and Mrs Linda Hurley read a Mem Fox storybook and sang songs with the families. This initiative has been running since June in order to support families in lockdown as a result of the pandemic.

 

August 22, 2020

ABC, BabyTalk Podcast

 

Playgroup Victoria’s CEO Danny Schwarz, Playgroup Victoria facilitators Louise Buckle-Smith and Naomi Jeffree and mother May Morshedy join BabyTalk host Penny Johnston to share news about Playgroup at Home and the benefits of play and playgroup. 

Listen to the full episode HERE

March 23, 2020

Herald Sun, Melbourne

 

Playgroup Victoria invites families to join them for 20 Days of at Home Play

November 4, 2019

The Echo, Surf Coast and Bellarine

 

Beach Baby Bubs Playgroup connect with share in a calming space.

Read more here

November 14, 2019

Ballarat Win News, Bendigo

 

An intergenerational playgroup brings all ages together to play and connect

Watch full news story here

November 4, 2019

The Courier, Ballarat

 

Sebastopol Primary School Playgroup Hub are a charity partner for this year’s Run For A Cause event in Ballarat. 

Read more here

September 11, 2019

Surf Coast Times 

 

Jan Juc Playgroup has begun the “Wheels for Kids” program, a six-week program about road safety.

Read more here

September 11, 2019

9 News Western Victoria

 

.

View story here

September 11, 2019

The Courier, Ballarat

 

Read more here

March 25, 2019

Nine News Now

 

The Biggest Playgroup at SEA LIFE Melbourne- National Playgroup Week

September 8, 2018

Mamamia

 

A World of their Own – article written by Sinead Halliday on behalf of Playgroup Victoria.  “We lead really isolated lives.” What it’s really like to care for a child with a disability.

Read more here

Sunday May 13, 2018

Weekend Sunrise

 

Me and My Dad Playgroup featured

Watch segment here

Tuesday May 8, 2018

ABC Ballarat

 

Men-only playgroup pushes aside gender stereotypes to provide support for dads.

Read more here

Friday June 29, 2018

This Glorious Mess Podcast, Mamamia

 

Dad’s Only Playgroup

Read more here

April 3, 2018

Radio National- Life Matters

 

Challenging gender stereotypes among kids 

Nursery rhymes are a great way to broaden a child’s language and sense of the world. Yet they also reinforce traditional gender typecasts. Girls ‘n’ Boys Come Out To Play is a collaborative program between Playgroup Victoria and Drummond Street Services. Amanda Testro is a musician and pre-school educator who writes and composes music for the project, while Helen Rimington is Special Projects Officer at Drummond Street.

For both, the program is as much about the parents’ enjoyment as well as the kids’.

Listen to full story here

Monday October 9, 2017 

Radio National- Life Matters 

 

When aged care meets childcare

They say it takes a village to raise a child, yet current childcare models involve limited community engagement. At the other end of the life cycle — aged care removes elderly people from the broader community. Sydney architect, Casey Bryant, is researching international building models to create links between generations and remove this divide. Sinead Halliday from Playgroup Victoria discusses the dynamics when babies and toddlers connect with the elderly.

Listen to full story here

August 10, 2017 

Victoria Parliament, Hansard

 

Mr Ben Carroll, Members Statement
Avondale Heights Grandparents Playgroup 

Parliament Hansard Extract

Local Stories

March 25, 2019

Nine News Melbourne

 

The Biggest Playgroup at SEA LIFE Melbourne

March 22, 2019

East Gippsland News

 

Making a play for funding

Read full article here

March 18, 2019

The Hepburn Advocate

 

Children and parents invited to free event in celebration of National Playground Week

Read full article here

September 1, 2018

The Courier Ballarat

 

Award-winning play group offers supportive role for dads

 

Monday April 30, 2018

The Courier Ballarat

 

Quality time over a pint of coffee and colouring books

Read more here

Tuesday December 5, 2017

Star Weekly, Sunbury & Macedon Ranges

 

Woodend Playgroup wins award for innovation and excellence.

Read more here

November 21, 2017

The Wimmera Mail Times

 

Dimboola Playgroup named the Victorian Community Playgroup of the Year

Read more here

Saturday September 30, 2017

Herald Sun Newspaper

 

Playgroups benefit parents and kids by offering fun and friendship

Read more here

July, 2017

ELC Primary Learning magazine

 

Article by Sinead Halliday on behalf of Playgroup Victoria. Imagery by Sylvia Dardha of Buddha Hands Playgroup

Read more here

Tuesday June 20, 2017

East Gippsland News

 

Making a play for funding

Read more here

Wednesday June 14, 2017

Channel 7 Melbourne

 

Playgroup Victoria’s CEO, Danny Schwarz, spoke about a very important issue: alarm systems installed in child safety seats.

Watch the story here (view at 11:45mins)