During National Playgroup Week, Playgroup Victoria invited recently established playgroups to take part in a new initiative, called Great Start. Liz Genez came onboard to join the team, assisting local community groups in their beginning stages, offering mentoring and guidance- along with new resources to bring playgroups to life with creativity, vibrancy and positivity.
Liz said that she had a vivid imagination as a child and she has carried that into her work and life thereon.
Liz loved to play in the great outdoors as a young girl, creating games and exploring different make-believe scenarios. She had her sights set on teaching, and in ways, she has weaved her way through different roles, always finding her way back to children and early years spaces.
“I find fulfilment in connecting with young children,” said Liz. “There’s something incredibly rewarding about being part of that early learning journey.”
Being outside and caring for the environment alongside children has given Liz a sense of grounding and has been something she has made sure to pass onto her own children. Whether embarking on a gardening project, enjoying a nature walk or examining different ways to care for the natural environment, Liz has enjoyed sharing that with her two children, aged nine and six.
Liz describes herself as a “goofy parent”, loving to joke around and have fun with her kids whenever she can.
“The early years weren’t always easy,” said Liz. “There were plenty of ups and downs. But one of the most important things I’ve learned is to slow down and really enjoy the little moments.”
“I’ve had times where I’ve felt like I’ve gotten it wrong. But instead of being hard on myself, I try to take a step back, look for a solution and communicate.”
Liz now passes this insight on, encouraging families to enjoy the little moments together and be kind to oneself.
Get to know more about Liz and how playgroups can support communities and help families to make a great start!
In what ways can we make everyone feel welcome in community spaces, celebrating culture, stories, experiences and interests?
We need to open up our discussions around inclusion and create space to celebrate different cultures, interests, and diversities. By embracing what makes each of us unique, we help foster a sense of belonging and respect for all members of our community.
What benefits have you observed play bring to children? How highly do you value learning through play?
Play is incredibly valuable- not just for children, but for adults too. It’s through play that children learn how to live in society. They discover critical life skills such as how to communicate, share, make friends, negotiate and understand the world around them.
Far from being just fun, play is at the heart of how children grow, learn and make sense of their experiences.
What kind of play do you incorporate in your own life?
These days, my family and I are game-obsessed and I love it. Every evening after dinner, my children take turns choosing a game or puzzle and we all gather around the kitchen table for at least 20 minutes. What I have come to cherish is the way that playing games opens up different conversations. It becomes a natural way for us to connect, share stories and check in with each other.
How long have you been working with community playgroups? Do you have an early education background?
I have been working in playgroups and the community settings for the past six years and before that, I was involved in children’s holiday programs and events. My passion for early childhood development led me to study early years education a few years ago, giving me a deeper understanding of how to support and connect with young children during this crucial stage of life.
What drew you to the Great Start role? What inspired you to get involved?
I absolutely love running playgroups- it brings me so much joy to see families connect, children thrive and communities grow stronger through shared experiences. I felt ready to take the next step: supporting others on their playgroup journeys.
“Because I’m still actively involved in running playgroups, I bring a real, lived understanding. I have also come to know Playgroup Victoria well and have seen the positive influence the organisation has in the community.”
What is the purpose of the Great Start initiative? How did it begin?
The Great Start initiative is designed to support new community playgroups by providing them with the guidance and resources they need to build a strong foundation for the future. Since its launch in April, we are now running the first round of the program, gathering valuable insights to improve and expand it.
I am actively involved in developing the program to ensure it can be successfully rolled out in multiple rounds in the future.
Our goal is to empower new playgroups with the skills, confidence and support networks necessary to thrive and create meaningful connections within their communities.
What stood out to you when you read through the Great Start applications? What made you smile? What surprised you? What moved you?
It was wonderful to read through all the applications and see the passion of leaders eager to start new playgroups. One of the questions we ask is, “Why do you want start a playgroup?” and the answers have been remarkably consistent. Each leader expressed the desire to support their community, bring families together and connect them with valuable resources. It is inspiring to see that, although these leaders are starting their journeys in different parts of Victoria, they share such similar goals.
What commonalities did you identify between the community playgroups who applied? What support are playgroups in need of?
I have spoken to all the playgroups involved in the Great Start program, and one thing is clear: they share a common goal. Each wants to create a safe, welcoming space in their community where families and children can come together to connect. Parents want a place to meet others on the same parenting journey, and children want a space to play, learn and grow.
The Great Start program is designed to support these goals by focusing on building strong foundations. We work to ensure that the playgroup spaces are not only safe and inclusive but also sustainable for the future- encouraging families to come back week after week and supporting the playgroup’s growth over time.
What will the Great Start mentoring involve?
Mentoring plays a key role in supporting playgroups through the Great Start program in three main ways:
1. One-On-One Support: Playgroup leaders receive personalised guidance and mentoring through regular conversations. These chats focus on discussing goals, sharing advice and exploring best practices tailored to each playgroup’s unique needs.
2.Onsite Playgroup Visits: A Playgroup Victoria team member visits playgroups in-person to meet the community, observe the play space and offer hands-on support. This helps to build strong relationships and provides practical insights to nurture a thriving playgroup environment.
In addition, the program facilitates online Communities of Practice sessions, where playgroup leaders come together to share experiences, discuss challenges and learn from one another.
What are you most looking forward to, working with local up and coming playgroups?
I am community focused and I am especially excited to observe how different communities shape and nurture their playgroups. It is not just about location- there is a rich growth, of culture, diversity and intergenerational playgroups that truly inspire me.
What is your hope for the Great Start program? What kind of opportunities do you hope it creates for others?
I hope the Great Start program can continue to expand, with many Great Start officers supporting playgroups across Victoria. Playgroups are such a vital foundation for communities, providing connection, support and growth for families and children.
Can philanthropic organisations contribute to the Great Start initiative?
The Great Start program has incredible potential to grow and support playgroups across Victoria, fostering strong, vibrant communities for years to come. We warmly welcome philanthropic organisations interested in financially contributing to this important initiative.
Their support would be instrumental in expanding the program’s reach, ensuring more new playgroups receive the guidance and resources they need to build lasting foundations.
Connect with Liz Genez: egenez@playgroup.org.au
Learn more about Playgroup Development and Support here
Article by Sinead Halliday