“Play is for everyone, and during play we are able to authentically connect with others.”
The Bendigo region is steeped in goldrush history. It has a revered art gallery, a fantastic library and an array of cultural festivals. Locals will also find a variety of opportunities at playgroup.
Recently there has been a piqued interest in starting playgroups and community playgroups are growing in number.
“Which is amazing!”, said Flick Vaillard. Flick is the playgroup site officer in the City of Greater Bendigo.
Flick, rather playfully, said that she has 41 years experience in the domain of play: “I love play! It is what I enjoy and do best. Play is an important part of my existence.”
While there are days when adult responsibilities and daily routines catch up with Flick, she always tries to find time to play, which is incredibly useful in her line of work.
As an early years and primary teacher Flick has engaged and advocated for the zero to six age group in many diverse roles. She has jumped into action as an early years teacher, key worker, trainer and assessor. Flick has also been a community and supported playgroup facilitator.
The mum of two has been an inclusion support facilitator, assisting children with additional learning and support needs and works with children and families from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
All of this is the icing on Flick’s early years cake, as she embraces her natural zest for creating opportunities to learn through play.
“I believe that if a child see’s that an adult is playing, this is a healthy, positive role model.”
“My interest in play has always been a part of my approach, with my natural playful approach to tasks, I encourage and motivate others to play.”
We spoke with Flick about her current role working with playgroups and learn more about her passion for play, op-shopping and the importance of face-to-face connections.
What do you believe the purpose of playgroup to be? Why do you think playgroup is an important part of our societies and communities?
Playgroup is a place for adults to connect with others, supporting their mental health. Playgroup is a place to share stories and celebrate. It is a place out of the home where play and connection are priority, without the distractions, routines and daily tasks found within the home environment.
Many parents feel isolated or unsure what to do when they have a child. Playgroup is a good place to engage with others for connection and to learn more about available supports in the community.
“I love when you are sitting in a circle at playgroup and the conversations start flowing, covering topics you think you are the only one going through. Sharing and listening normalise what you may be going through, positive or negative.”
Playgroup is part of the early years education experience, it is unique as it provides an opportunity for parents and children to engage together and gather support in an informal setting. Playgroup can often be a light touch early intervention, or a support in referring to more supports as required.
What do you love most about playgroup?
Connecting with others and having a play-based experience. Playgroup is a place to relax and enjoy. Time out from routines and daily tasks. Playgroup is FUN!
Parents and carers are busy- why is of benefit to carve out time to attend playgroup? How do families usually feel after taking part?
I have seen this time and time again. During playgroup there are no worries about the things that you need to do around the house. It is a time to sit, relax and play with your child/children without the pressures of everyday life. It is a time to feel relaxed. It can often feel like a friend’s house. Playgroup becomes a family! Especially if you have no family in your community.
Parents and carers quickly see the benefit of playgroup once they start, and it is not just for the children. I promote playgroups for the parents and carers more than for the children.
Playgroup is missed during the holiday break and I believe it is important to create and offer opportunities for the group to connect.
In what unique ways can playgroup support and uplift families during the early years?
By being a safe, welcoming and fun space, families feel connection, share everyday stories and experiences.
“There is lots of laughter, tears and connection. There is conversation on deep topics, there is listening as others share their stories. People may ask one another for advice and there is often a deep sigh of relief as feelings of ‘This is normal’, or ‘this is okay’ and ‘I am not the only one’ are recognised.”
How important has the role of play been in your role over the years working with children?
I love play! I promote that play can happen anytime, anywhere and with anything.
Play in a bag or box with minimal items during a playgroup session encourages connection through communication, the use of sensory items, books and toys.
What kind of themes and activities do you enjoy sharing with families?
Creating learning opportunities through interaction and play. For example, through music and movement, singing ‘Row row row your boat’ and sitting face to face in a boat. The parent/carer and child engage together to build bonds and attachment, whilst building on many different developmental skills. Most importantly, this all happens while having fun.
“Open ended play – follow your child’s ideas – be part of the play!”
I like to ask lots of questions: ‘Who, What, Why, When, How?’ I model and encourage parents to get down with their child and be in the moment.
Focusing on loose parts being used in the home is great. Make the most of free and resourced items to play and create with, which are found around the home. What can be found in the kitchen to use? Incorporate different shaped boxes to crawl in and rolls to push and explore.
I believe that children are responsible for their play and it should be supported by the parent.
How do you assist playgroups to gather resources such as books and toys?
This is one of my passions, and I have always been told one of my strengths. As someone who enjoys thrifting and op shopping and has had the pleasure of working in an op shop, I enjoy the thrill and the hunt of finding treasures for playgroup (or for anything 😊).
I always have the local community free pages open, I look out for free treasures on the roadside when driving and I speak with people in the community advocating for playgroup resources. The Lions club have provided books. Since being part of the Families Learning and Growing with Playgroups project, I am proud to say I have helped source playgroups with what I call, ‘Resource Starter Packs’ and support playgroups search for grants. Fundraising is something we often talk about and plan to do a training session about for the community playgroup network.
Venues and locations- how can playgroups and families find suitable, safe and engaging places to meet?
Venues can be challenging to find when starting a playgroup. Community houses are an option, community hubs, churches and halls. There are some outdoor playgroups in the Greater Bendigo region.
I have been advocating to start outdoor playgroups, talking about bush playgroups and walking playgroups, to enjoy the beautiful natural offerings the Bendigo region has.
How does playgroup help families and carers to build confidence in themselves and in their parenting role?
A playgroup is an opportunity to meet with others who may be sharing similar experiences, interests or concerns.
I always talk with parents about all the wonderful things they do and provide opportunities to share, sit in the moment and reflect.
“A playgroup is calm and there is no pressure to answer questions, or feel you are part of a chore, or study or that you are taking an exam. Through play and engagement, conversations will naturally flow without pressure and people are more likely to share.”
Observing others in their parenting practice is a gentle way to model new ideas and playgroup provides a safe place to practice.
People are connected on a whole new level via technology, but how connected are we in a real sense? How does playgroup help to bridge that gap for parents and carers?
I am a true believer in the opportunity for face-to-face connection, taking turns through mirror neuron interaction and engagement. Being able to interact and experience all the senses during interactions and to observe and respond to body cues is important. During face-to-face interactions, I have observed that people are more likely to respond and feel comfortable in doing so.
In short, a playgroup provides a fun space to engage.
“Play is for everyone, and during play we are able to authentically connect with others. Someone may be very shy, yet when sitting down and being part of play, it helps them feel at ease.”
I have been focusing on sensory playgroups, providing as many different natural and man-made elements to play and explore. Hours of curiosity can come from a toilet roll, a branch from a tree, playdough, paint, or even a piece of paper.
What role does a garden and access to the outside world bring to playgroup?
Connection to nature creates a peaceful setting. Nature opens curiosity and imaginative play, while connecting with the land and what the land has to offer.
There are a lot of holistic benefits- with space to run and health benefits such as vitamin D exposure. A lot of people are very low in vitamin D and we know this impacts on mood and can cause depression. There are also great social opportunities in the outdoors, working together in a garden space and enjoying lots of big movement games.
What playgroup opportunities are available for Dads in your area?
Community playgroups are inclusive and welcoming to all! Since beginning in the Families Learning and Growing through Playgroups team I have advocated very strongly for dads. There are many dads in the Greater Bendigo region who are primary carers, caring for the child/children while their partner is at work.
I am a passionate educator striving for positive mental health for all. I believe dads going to playgroup can help to support this cause.
“I spoke with many community members, both male and many more female, and they shared how important it is for men to attend playgroup. Playgroup supports dads to build attachment with their child/children and connecting at playgroup has a positive impact on their mental, and holistic, health. I introduced a Saturday playgroup for male carers and it soon became popular, with two dads keen to co-facilitate the group.”
The Dad’s playgroup is very keen to grow and connect with other community playgroups. The group has been running since October 2024, commencing at the Bendigo library and starting term two 2025 in a venue which offers an outdoor space. This is something that the group were seeking as part of their playgroup session.
With ongoing support through the Families Learning and Growing through Playgroups project, more dads are connecting and sharing ideas at playgroup. The opportunities will continue to grow.
What playgroup opportunities are there for grandparents in your area?
Grandparents are attending both community and supported playgroups in the Greater Bendigo communities. Many grandparents are caring for children, whilst both parents are at work. Grandparents are often engaging with the libraries for story time and rhyme time sessions, meeting at the major lakes and at the shopping centre.
“Continuing to promote playgroup for everyone, no matter your age, has seen more grandparents attend the playgroups I facilitate. During the remainder of the project, I will continue to advocate that ‘Playgroup is for everyone’.
What benefits are there for volunteers to take part in playgroup?
Volunteering connects people with the community and supports positive mental health. Volunteering presents an opportunity for aspiring early childhood educators to gain experience. There are also great opportunities for any retirees, particularly from the early years or maternal health background, to continue to engage and contribute to the community.
What areas of early childhood are you most passionate about?
I am passionate about:
Partnerships with families, supporting families to advocate for their child/children and promoting the parent as first teacher/role model.
Play ideas – through using loose parts, using household items, natural materials and more!
Creating play spaces and play opportunities – modelling and discussing with families the different ways we can play and the learning associated with the play that is happening.
Sharing theory and reasoning (why) behaviours happen, the age and stage developmental milestones and how parents can acknowledge, engage and support.
“I am a strong advocate for celebrating experiences and milestones. Recognising the journey is important, no matter the timeframe.”
Providing information and resources on topics of interest and referring to supporting agencies.
Theory and pedagogical practices, with a firm belief and practice in following the child’s voice holistically.
“Through my interest in play therapy, I focus on social and emotional development. My philosophy focuses on a holistic play-based approach, observing and listening to children’s voice. I pride myself in responding and accommodating the environment to individual children’s interests and needs. In a playgroup setting this applies to the parent to ensure that they feel valued, seen and connected.”
Topics of interest include:
Play
The importance of outdoor play and risk play
Inclusive play and creating an inclusive setting
Celebrating and advocating cultural diversity
Strengths-based approach with everyone, no matter their age!
Social and emotional development
What have you found to be the most rewarding part of the Families Learning and Growing through Playgroups project so far?
Engaging with the community is my priority and what I look forward to everyday. I enjoy hearing the everyday stories of families I meet. I enjoy sharing curiosities about children’s learning and developmental milestones and the excitement of being a parent- celebrating that!
I believe building relationships is pivotal and an essential part of the Families Learning and Growing through Playgroups project. Being present at the libraries is a great way to engage with families. I enjoy attending rhyme time and story time sessions. Visiting community playgroups and participating in events such as Children’s Week and family fun days helps to build relationships. Families have shared their playgroup experiences, their beliefs and visions of what they would like in a playgroup setting.
How does the Families Learning and Growing through Playgroups team work to build community spirit, inspire families and establish a trusting rapport?
Being out in the community and participating in local community events across the region. Creating new and exciting events creates alot of curiosity and excitement about community playgroups.
“I truly believe that face-to-face engagement, as much as possible, builds a strong trust and partnership. I spend most of my time out and about. I enjoy driving the Playgroup Victoria van across the Greater Bendigo region. It has now become a familiar part of the community, with the Playgroup Victoria animals attracting the smiles and waves of children. I am also recognised with my bright colours from head to toe and proudly wear an ‘I Love Playgroup’ t-shirt.”
The Families Learning and Growing through Playgroups team have a wonderful connection and brainstorm ideas on how to advocate for community playgroups. The community playgroups have formed a network and use Facebook as a platform to communicate and share ideas.
We have started a Bendigo Playgroups page for parents to connect with playgroups, share information on support agencies and post about local community events. Each week this page is growing, which reflects how the community is responding enthusiastically, seeking out playgroup opportunities.
Connect with Flick Vaillard: fvaillard@playgroup.org.au
Learn more about Playgroup Development and Support here
Article by Sinead Halliday