"The Playgroup Conference was a vibrant celebration of connection, learning and community. From powerful keynote stories that reminded us why play matters, to practical sessions that explored innovation in early childhood and community engagement, which provided ‘show bags’ full of ideas for delegates to explore in their communities. As Nelly Thomas shared with us, the people are the eco-system which enable playgroups to continue to shape stronger, more connected communities."
- Danny Schwarz, Playgroup Victoria CEO
The power of collaboration, big and small, creates stronger, more connected communities, families and children. That was the focus at the 2026 Playgroup Conference where attendees came together to celebrate playgroup, with a focus on why people are, scientifically and anecdotally speaking, Better Together.
The theme emphasised that we achieve more when we work together: It Takes a Village.
By focusing on collaboration, our Better Together theme highlighted how playgroups can serve as a foundation for collective action that addresses broader social issues, all while supporting families in their parenting roles and children in their early years.
The capacity to support children and families is enhanced further when professionals partner with other services, combining their efforts and resources for the greater good.
Educators, researchers, creators, practitioners, organisations and services, researchers, policymakers, families- all the makers and shakers- were brought to the fore, to highlight the importance of the early years. The conference aimed to build on the important work already being done, creating further opportunities for all involved.
There was a positive energy running through the Melbourne Exhibition Centre space, with ideas and inspiration shared by all.
The playgroup conference ran over two days, from 25 to 26 March 2026.
A range of presenters and exhibitors welcomed the 385 participants on day one.
Uncle Shane Charles opened the event with a meaningful Welcome to Country, filling the room with the moving sound of his didgeridoo.
Entertainer and educator Dr Emma Watkins opened the conference with her keynote. With a focus on integrating sign language and dance for children's screen media, Emma explored the different ways that we can forge meaningful connections with children of all abilities and share the possibilities with them. Emma began with a sign-language Chinese whispers game that was both funny and insightful, highlighting the importance of learning basic Auslan signs as a bridge to aid communication for all.
Writer and comedian Nelly Thomas presented after Emma. The down-to-earth speaker provided light relief, making the audience laugh with her relatable observations on parenthood. Her stories also carried depth, sharing her experience with children with disability.
“Nelly Thomas’ keynote was entertaining, yet deeply relatable and offered powerful, thought-provoking insights,” said Jo Tarasuik, the research manager at Playgroup Victoria.
“Professionals were inspired to reflect on their practice, and carers left feeling seen and heard. Her blend of humour and honesty around serious topics made for a compelling and motivating start to the conference, with many participants naming her session as their favourite.”
An exhibition space was alive with colour and chatter as services and organisations opened their stalls to share their services and insights. Each exhibitor championed the early years and supported families. Exhibitors included: Oral Health Victoria, Parent Pathways, Mission Australia, ECIA, Drummond Street, Country Fire Authority, ACD, Triple P Positive Parenting Program, 54 reasons, Tweddle, The Sisterhood Project, Parenting Research Centre, Little Sprouts, Parent Child Mother Goose Australia, Toy Libraries Australia, ECMS, Kids Own Publishing, Yarn Strong Sista, Breakthru, Noahs Ark, Sister Sensory, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, healthAbility, Educating Kids, Workskil Australia.
The conference was abuzz with energy for the remainder of the day as participants attended a range of different workshops, including sessions with Our Place, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, Dadfit, Sibilings Australia, Safer Spaces, Raising Children Network, SNAICC, Play Matters Queensland, Australian Institute for Intergenerational Practice (AIIP), Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare, Branch into Music and more.
Oftentimes there is a slump after lunch but not with Clarissa present. The dance instructor who specialises in 80’s style-tunes got the whole auditorium up and dancing, laughing and enjoying the shared experience of movement.
The conference participants then attended a panel discussion led by Nicole Bortone, a Senior Program Manager at the Ian Potter Foundation. The panel speakers were Elfie Taylor from Our Place, Chris Thongnoppakun from SNAICC and Rachael Heywood a Coordinator from the Tomorrow Today Foundation.
The panel discussed the ways that communities can be better together: Achieving Common Goals through Effective Partnerships - Real Stories, Practical Strategies and Lasting Impact.
The panel topic focused on how partnerships between professionals, community organisations, playgroups and families are formed, maintained and leveraged to achieve the best outcomes for children and families. The discussion highlighted real-world examples, practical approaches and the transformative power of collaboration within the early years sector. The panel was streamed for anyone who was unable to attend.
A networking event brought day one of the conference to a close, with a lively room full of conversation and collaboration.
Day two of the conference focused on masterclass sessions, for those working directly with playgroups.
Two members of the SNAICC team made a personal Welcome to Country to begin the day, grounding attendees.
Dr Anna Price began proceedings with an insightful keynote. The award-winning leader and health promotion specialist from Murdoch Children’s Research Institute closely examines how everyday things such as money, housing and access to services affect children and how these factors can be improved. Anna shared more about her research and mission to help deliver equitable solutions, supporting the health and wellbeing of families. “Since the pandemic, around two in five families report struggling to afford essentials such as food, housing, and energy costs,” said Anna in our latest interview.
Fiona Demark presented a moving keynote, inviting the audience to re-think the way that we welcome everyone into a space. As a woman with low vision, Fiona is passionate to dispel misconceptions about what we can achieve. Fiona spoke about her personal experience of playgroup and the ways that she was not made to feel welcome. With a disability or otherwise, Fiona inspires a can-do approach: “Disability doesn’t mean a lesser life. Challenges don’t mean the end of joy. We all have the capacity to adapt, grow and thrive- even when life gets hard.”
An inspiring morning led to inspiring masterclasses thereafter, where attendees took a deeper dive into their areas of interest. A range of Community of Practice style sessions and networking opportunities to suit each delegate were underway.
“Partnerships and collaboration are the heartbeat of our mission,” said Playgroup Development Manager Leanne Dhami.
“When we come together—sharing our strengths, sparking innovation, and uniting our resources—we unlock powerful possibilities and create lasting, positive change for families.”
In the main theatre, members of the early year’s community gathered to celebrate 10 years of SmallTalk. SmallTalk commission by the Victorian Government, was developed as an evidenced based Program by the Parenting Research Centre which is delivered by the Victorian Government Supported Playgroup Program. Warren Cann, the lead researcher of SmallTalk, spoke about the success of the program and the positive impact it has had on early childhood development. MP Nathan Lambert presented certificates of appreciation to supported playgroup facilitators, acknowledging their dedication and meaningful contributions.
The event brought together so many people committed to enriching the early years. Attendees and presenters alike highlighted the value of playgroup and the positive impact it has across settings and most significantly, in the lives of Australian families.
Learn More About the 2026 Conference Here
Playgroup Victoria acknowledges and thanks the event sponsors: The Minderoo Foundation, Parenting Research Centre, VicHealth, Purpose Accounting, Uncle Shane Charles Art Experience Sponsor, Workit HR.
Article by Sinead Halliday
Photography by Graham Hunter Photos