Playgroup Victoria invites you to join our free online workshops. We will host a range of different sessions on topics that include: setting up your playgroup, activities promoting play, navigating challenging situations, promoting your playgroup and more! Explore our upcoming sessions and book to join below.
Spring into Playgroup Workshop Series
We are eagerly looking forward to enjoying many more days at playgroup this Spring! We have fresh ideas to share and tips on how to relaunch your local community group after a year that has been full of change. Are you looking for inspiring activities for your playgroup? Do you need guidance on setting up your group? Do you need advice on fundraising or insurance? We are here to help! Take part in our interactive sessions as we delve into all things playgroup.
Our live workshops have now finished. Recordings of the sessions will be made available to registered playgroups. Register your playgroup HERE
Activities Promoting Play
Community playgroup activities do not need to be complicated or costly. This workshop will provide you with ideas that you can easily implement, to engage both children and adults at playgroup. Presented by Louise Buckle-Smith
No sessions are available at this time.
Connecting To Your Local Community
Community playgroups help to bring families together. Forging local connections and finding a location for families to meet can help to support the group and assist your playgroup to run smoothly. Presented by Leanne Dhami and Naomi Jeffree
No sessions are available at this time.
Setting Up Your Playgroup Space/Running a Playgroup
Community playgroups occur in different types of venues and locations. During this workshop, we will explore and share different ways that you can set up your space to encourage a variety of play. We will also share ideas and tips on how to run a playgroup successfully without wearing yourself out. Presented by Naomi Jeffree
No sessions are available at this time.
Navigating Situations
Sometimes at playgroup, events occur that are difficult or hard to manage. This workshop can assist you to address challenging situations and lead to a cohesive and supportive playgroup for all families. Presented by Leanne Dhami.
No sessions are available at this time.
Using Facebook for Communication and Promotion
Community playgroups are about connection. This workshop will provide you with suggestions on how to stay connected with your families via Facebook, as well as how to use Facebook to promote your playgroup. Presented by Maureen Hatcher
No sessions are available at this time.
Would You Like to Access Our Workshops at Anytime?
Register your playgroup with Playgroup Victoria to gain long-term access to the recordings of these workshops.
Other Playgroup Registration Benefits Include:
- Public Liability and Property Insurance for Community Playgroups. Public Liability insurance is your playgroup’s protection if your playgroup is found be legally responsible for personal injury to a third party or damage to their property.
- The option to advertise your playgroup on our ‘Find a playgroup’ website page
- Access to your playgroup management portal – where you can organise your playgroup and invite families to join
- Full access to our play ideas library, with over 70 downloadable activity sheets
- Themed activity booklets with topics that include Nature Play, Music Play, Health and Wellbeing, Community Kindness, Creative Play and more
- Monthly e-Newsletters filled with the latest playgroup news, event opportunities, articles, interviews and resources
- Special offers from our partners and opportunities at exclusive playgroup events
- Full access to The Playgroup Toolkit – home to the best playgroup tools and resources
Meet Our Presenters
Maureen Hatcher
Maureen has over 30 years of experience working in the early childhood sector. She has worked as a room leader, coordinated a long day centre, and has also taught Early Childhood students at various R.T.O.s. Her employment at Playgroup Victoria started in a role facilitating the Connecting Schools and Community project in 2016. She is now a Playgroup Development Consultant for South-West Victoria and also passionately leads the Intergenerational Playgroup portfolio. She enjoys the challenge and joy of connecting people, and regularly uses social media in her work role.
Louise Buckle-Smith
Louise has been a passionate advocate for children’s services and community services and has devoted her career to this industry for over 30 years. She has worked in the sector in a wide capacity, including Children’s Services, Family Day Care, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Family and Children Services, TAFE (teaching in Early Childhood) and Playgroup Victoria, Coordinating Connecting Schools and Playgroup Program. Louise is currently working as a Playgroup Development Consultant for Playgroup Victoria. Louise has been a facilitator for Playgroup at Home Live sessions throughout Covid and has embraced this time, seeing families connecting as a community to support each other during challenging times.
Naomi Jeffree
Naomi began a career in the playgroup world just over 20 years ago, beginning as a parent leader, and then using her qualification in children’s services as a supported playgroup facilitator. Naomi has passionately supported her community in facilitating a variety of programs such as the My Time peer support program, mother goose, small talk, infant, and the PEEP program. Naomi has recently celebrated her ten years working for playgroup Victoria and enjoys her full-time role as a development consultant. Naomi values the connections she has with families and continues to enjoy working with playgroups to support their place in the community.
Leanne Dhami
Leanne has a background in Early childhood education. Being in the role of a supported playgroup facilitator and a community playgroup support officer for several years before starting with Playgroup Victoria in 2013. Leanne is now the manager of Playgroup Development and Support and is passionate about supporting community playgroups to ensure access for all Victorian families.