About

This community playgroup set upas a service for all members of the community. Assistance to this playgroup was provided by the Mount Barker District Council and the Department of Human Services.

The location for this playgroup was selected at Duck Flat Community Garden. Facilities offer a variety of nature play and cultural activities including:

• mud kitchen
• musical instruments
• gardening
• food preparation
• reading
• clay play
• didgeridoo performances
• Aboriginal artwork
• multicultural celebrations.

Background

The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) data shows the number and percentage of children vulnerable in one or more developmental areas has increased in Mount Barker. This increase was more prominent in the more isolated areas of the council. Research has proven that attending playgroup has a positive impact on children and this project has focused on connecting local children through playbroup.

Outcomes

The project was very successful in the local community with 1,106 people attending sessions. The project successfully reached 616 young children. Engaging in an outdoor playgroup has been an inclusive way of engaging with families and children from vulnerable groups.

The established playgroup now provides opportunities for families to meet and connect, develop social connections and support networks.  This has supported a sense of belonging and connection to the community and services.

Attending families have had the opportunity to learn and understand different cultures, including local Aboriginal culture.

Through this project a strong partnership has formed between local organisations to help ensure it continues to be a valuable support for the community. The funding was able to support employing a playgroup facilitator for this project period. Due to the outstanding outcomes from this project, the facilitator role will continue to be funded and the playgroup will continue to run.

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