“I have found it rewarding to advocate for community playgroups, bringing people from all areas together.”
Country living comes with abundance- the fresh air, the space, a connection to nature, the sense of community and fun- and yet, it can at times be isolating, with distance and transport a barrier. Donna Parry and her team are supporting local families in the Goldfields region to Learn and Grow with Playgroups. This starts by making playgroups possible with welcoming venues and accessible play spaces.
Donna has laid focus on the town of Maryborough, which is a meeting spot for families in the area.
When Donna began her role in April of 2024, there were no community playgroups in the area. Playgroups have since branched out, with three new groups establishing roots, one of which is an intergenerational playgroup held in an aged care home.
There is something special about the youngest and oldest members of society coming together, with a focus on conversation, connection and play. They rustle up great feeling and energy in one another- with the parents and carers in-between the ages acting as a current in which they move.
The generational ties are strong in regional and rural areas, with many families having called the district home through the years.
For Donna and her team, the spirit of country living must meld with reassuring relationships. Those relationships need not necessarily be deep but form consistent contact with one another- for people need people- from babies to those in the upper echelons of life.
We spoke with Donna to hear more about the Helping Families Learn and Grow through Playgroups project alive and well in the Goldfields, which brings great opportunities for locals to get involved in the movement.
What region does your role extend to in Victoria? What towns do you travel to?
My area is Central Goldfields. I have mainly focused on starting playgroups in Maryborough, as this has been a central location for families to attend. In the smaller surrounding towns such as Carisbrook and Dunolly, I have reached out to schools, kindergartens and public facilities to ensure they have the tools to support them when ready to start a playgroup.
What are the opportunities like for regional and rural families to connect regularly?
I have heard many stories of families needing and looking for connection. The families want socialisation for their children, and themselves, though it is sometimes tough with mental health issues and financial challenges. It is challenging to prioritise consistent attendance to any event, especially when transport to the venue is non-existent.
There are great programs that do run in regional Victoria, such as the state supported playgroup program, which provides an opportunity for families to connect and access additional support. In an ideal situation, community playgroups work with supported playgroups to create more opportunity for families to connect on different days, in different locations, meeting the different needs of regional families.
However, limited access to vehicles and public transport, such as buses and trains, is a real barrier for families in rural Victoria. Most locations have access to libraries and community houses, though programs in these spaces are often reliant on volunteers. It can be a challenge to run programs at times when families are available and able to attend.
What advice do you have for anyone wanting to start their own playgroup in a regional or rural location?
My advice to anyone wanting to start a playgroup is, “It’s easy!” Gather some friends or just advertise by going onto the Playgroup Victoria website and social media, select a location for the group to meet and just give it a go!
Share the tasks at playgroup and let everyone have a sense of belonging. This might involve the choice of activities, being part of the playgroup set-up or having a voice in how the playgroup runs, contributing to the rules or values of the group.
Think about things you enjoy and what you can bring to the group. For example, someone may love to cook or craft or they may have a skill or hobby to share- so make this a part of the group and fundraise for the items. Ask people to contribute. I think you will find that people are more than happy to share and support community events in regional and rural areas, especially when it benefits the next generation.
In what ways have you seen playgroup bring communities together?
I have found it interesting- the skills, concerns and wisdom people are willing to share bring communities together through conversation. When discussing any questions you may have about your child or lifestyle, such as eating, allergies and interests, other people may just have a suggestion or the life experience to support you.
“When people are vulnerable and honest with their needs and concerns, it brings people together. They can relate or at least hear and provide support. To quote Brené Brown, ‘Staying vulnerable is a risk we have to take if we want to experience connection’.”
In what ways do you support the community to design what is suitable (and inspiring!) for the families, specific to the Central Goldfields area?
In Central Goldfields, I have been fortunate to network and connect with community houses and the toy libraries. I speak to local community members and council to hear what the community may be looking for in a playgroup.
In Maryborough I have found safe and warm venues offering free locations to hold playgroups, which is always the challenge when wanting to start a community group,
Once a safe venue is established we have started the group. From there we advertise and have conversations with each family, learning more about what they might be looking for.
“I hear language such as connection, socialisation, friendships and a safe place to attend with like-minded people.”
So, I listen and step back when needed, hearing what families are after and empowering them in leadership, role modelling differing mythologies for playgroups, which can be as simple as structured and unstructured.
What was the experience like creating an intergenerational playgroup in collaboration with an aged care facility in the Central Goldfields?
Establishing the intergenerational playgroup in Central Goldfields has been rewarding, not only myself, but the residents, staff and families attending. The intergenerational playgroup welcomes residents who have been midwives, nurses, builders and professionals, some who have lived in the area their whole lives. Hearing old stories and new stories with everyone connecting has been inspiring to be a part of.
“We have seen the babies once unable to roll on the floor now progressing to walking and engaging with the residents who are not always able to get down on the floor. It feels like a family when attending the playgroup as we have celebrated the wins and events such as birthdays, Easter, Christmas- and also the challenges of life.”
The facility has provided all the resources for the playgroup, which are kept on site for all families visiting, The residents strongly advocate for everyone to attend on a Thursday, inviting their families and residential workers with young children to come along, often reminding great great grandchildren to attend.
Some of the residents have handed out bookmarks reminding other residents when the playgroup is on and a small group of male residents have started making toys for the playgroup, asking playgroupers what they would like more of. This has been a special, rewarding success for the local community, bringing everyone together, young and old.
In what ways does the intergenerational group support the wellbeing of attendees?
The playgroup supports the residents with something to look forward to. When a parent doesn’t attend, you can be sure a resident will ask where they are and if anyone has heard from them, enquiring if they are okay. The same with the residents, families enquiring if Mary and Margie are okay, and how Shirley is today.
“The playgroup brings connection, acceptance and confidence to all.”
Not everyone talks the whole time. Sometimes people enjoy a coffee, read the paper and have a biscuit in silence, though everyone is smiling and we all clap our hands when a child does something new or achieves a challenge.
What positive changes has the playgroup made in the lives of the residents?
I believe the playgroup has united many residents and families with the same goal for connection. It provides another talking point and mutual interest in wanting to provide our next generation with hope, care and support. Everyone engages in the wins- if it’s a child taking a step for the first time, using the toilet or saying a new word it brings so much joy to all participating.
The playgroup provides another event for residents to participate in. They are constantly brainstorming ways to get more people to attend and ideas on activities we can all do together.
In what ways do the residents support the children and their development?
Everyone in the group celebrates the wins, sharing the childrens milestones. We have residents with a long history of parenting, overcoming adversity and seeing so much change in their lives.
What this brings is acceptance for the parents and children. No one is judging, as we have experienced a child who has had a sad day, not slept well and who may not want to engage. Some residents have “seen it all” so they are gentle and kind with their feedback, supporting parents, reassuring them that it is going to be okay. One resident said, “Just leave her shoes off. It’s better for her feet anyway to spread her toes, feel the ground and find her balance.” There just doesn’t seem to be judgement in this space.
What feedback have you received from attendees about their experience at the intergenerational group?
Families who have attended the playgroup have provided positive verbal feedback, acknowledging the relationships and respect shown, the knowledge of the residents, especially in the rural setting. Things such as speaking about the weather, crops and changes they have seen in the environment over the years have been a connecting factor. The understanding of what families may be going through have been of benefit.
The connections developed from this playgroup have been strong with families connecting outside of the residents rooms, moving to this beautiful open space, playing outside on the green grass, catching bubbles and enjoying each other’s experiences.
What are the barriers for regional and rural communities? How are the FLAG team working to overcome these?
A real barrier appears to be transport so choosing central venues near bus stops or near the train station has been a goal. I have focused on establishing playgroups in Maryborough, as I am hearing this is where families come to regularly, getting everyday resources.
“One of our playgroups established at a community house opens a food share door early, for the family’s attending playgroup. This playgroup has been a huge success, providing families with a chance to connect and gather supplies with no judgement, surrounded by parents doing the same.”
What have been the highlights of the Helping Families Learn and Grow with Playgroups project so far?
There have been so many highlights! Forming connections within a community where people may have felt isolated, providing venues to support connection and safety, starting the discussion to empower others to embrace connection- these have all been valuable parts of the project. Encouraging participants to have a purpose to get up in the morning and share with the playgroup how they are and the needs they have has been an important part of building the playgroup community. Hearing others, listening and sharing provides such reassurance.
Another highlight has been the connections formed with local professionals. There are so many wonderful organisations receiving grants to enhance the facilities and services within the Central Goldfields, though I have heard they often feel isolated starting their projects.
As part of the Helping Families Learn and Grow with Playgroups initiative, we have attended meetings and invited others to be part of our networks. We aim to share resources, advocate for programs and bring the community together to benefit.
The highlight of the project has been forming connections and supports for all with no bias or judgment!
Connect with Donna: dparry@playgroup.org.au
Learn more about Playgroup Development and Support here
Article by Sinead Halliday