ABOUT PLAYGROUPS

What are Playgroups?

A playgroup is a community gathering where young children and their parents or carers come together to play, learn and connect. It supports children’s early learning and social development while helping families build friendships and community networks.

Play, Learn and Connect in Your Community

A playgroup is a place -based gathering where young children and their parents or carers come together in a relaxed, play-based family-centred environment.

Playgroup Australia describes them as uniquely varied but united in purpose: they support play-based learning and social-emotional development in children. They also offer social support for parents and carers, weaving together stronger local networks and connections. Through playgroups, children explore, learn, and interact with peers; and families gain friendship, advice, and a sense of belonging within community.

Start a Playgroup

Why Playgroups Matter

For
Children

Playgroups build capabilities across all developmental domains through play-based learning that grows confidence, sparks creativity, and builds skills.

For
Families

Playgroups increase knowledge of child development and confidence in supporting children's wellbeing and learning.

For
Communities

Playgroups build local connection that reduce isolation and provide a sense of belonging within the community.

For the Early Year System

Playgroups provide soft entry points into the early years service system through information, referrals, and partnerships.

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National Playgroup Statement

To universally recognise the contribution playgroups make to family support and early childhood development outcomes, the University of Victoria, in cooperation with all states’ and territories’ playgroup organisations, developed the National Playgroup Statement.

Read Full Statement

Ways to Get Involved

Advocate for Playgroups

Playgroup Australia is the national peak body championing the important role of the Playgroup Movement in delivering positive social impact. We lead through advocacy to identify and respond to issues relating to playgroup, ensuring it remains available to all Australian families. By joining our efforts or the National Playgroup Alliance, you help amplify local voices in the national conversation about early childhood and family wellbeing. You can support our work effectively by contacting your local MP to share your personal experience of being part of a playgroup or by sharing your stories with us.

Partner with Playgroups

We welcome opportunities to collaborate with other organisations to support and strengthen families and communities. As a trusted partner for governments and community organisations, we work to advance child and family wellbeing through evidence-sharing and national leadership. From research collaborations with universities to delivering Intergenerational Playgroups in aged care settings, our partnerships drive better outcomes. If your organisation aligns with our vision that every child and family is positively impacted by playgroup, we invite you to connect with us to explore how we can work together.

Help Fund Playgroups

Playgroup Australia is a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation established to represent playgroup organisations. Your financial support is vital; all funds raised are reinvested directly into developing and promoting playgroup activities across the nation. Your donations help us establish more volunteer-run community playgroups, reaching into more communities to strengthen family wellbeing. Whether you are an individual or a corporate sponsor, your contribution makes a difference. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible and go toward helping us support more communities through play.

Volunteer for Playgroups

Playgroup Australia represents one of the country’s largest volunteer movements, with over 8,000 volunteers creating a village through play nationally. Community playgroups are established, led, and sustained by these dedicated individuals. Whether you want to start a new playgroup in your area, take on a leadership role within an existing group, or join our close-knit team, your contribution is invaluable. Volunteering helps build local support networks, and you can even count volunteer hours towards the activity test for childcare benefits.

GET INVOLVED

Be a part of a national network that supports families, strengthens communities, and helps playgroups thrive.

“Playgroup helped me through many times in my life, most of all it helped me find my ‘brave key,’ one that I would need for many years to come”
Get Involved

Contact Us

WOTSO Building
490 Northbourne Ave
Dickson ACT 2602
[email protected]
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