“Creating a sense of belonging is at the heart of building a welcoming playgroup environment. I prioritise making families feel genuinely seen, heard, and valued by fostering a warm, supportive atmosphere where everyone feels heard.”
After relocating to Latrobe City with her partner in 2019, Sascha Reese-Sharam felt deeply isolated with her new-born.
“Amid the challenges of postnatal adjustment and the "baby blues," I felt disconnected and in desperate need of community support. Joining a local playgroup became my lifeline.”
At playgroup Sascha found a safe space. She could openly share her struggles, explore parenting choices without judgement and build meaningful relationships.
“The playgroup leader’s empathy and the collective support of other parents empowered me to navigate this transition while feeling supported in my parenting journey.”
Playgroup reconnected Sascha with a sense of self and stability. She was eager to share the opportunity with others, compelled by her own positive experience.
Equipped with a Diploma of Early Education and Care, in addition to a Bachelor of Social Science, Sascha not only has first-hand experience working with communities through early years literacy programs and play-based development support, but her experience also extends to community development and stakeholder collaboration.
Sascha enthusiastically seeks to empower regional families, fostering meaningful connections and collaborating with partners to drive sustainable, equitable outcomes.
We spoke with Sascha, learning more about the FLAG project and her active role supporting playgroups in the Latrobe area.
If one thing is for sure, Sascha values the offering that playgroup extends to us all- to be part of a village where we benefit from finding a connection to oneself, to bond with our children and links us to each other- to a community in which we belong.
What inspired you to take part in the FLAG project?
Witnessing first-hand how this space reduced my isolation and connected me to vital resources ignited my passion for advocating for accessible, inclusive playgroups. I want to replicate this impact through the FLAG project, ensuring every family in Latrobe City has the opportunity to thrive through the sense of belonging that playgroups create.
My own journey, from feeling overwhelmed and alone, to becoming an active, supported parent, fuels my commitment to empowering others through this role.
What areas of Victoria does your role branch out to?
As a FLAG Officer, my role will primarily focus on supporting playgroups in Latrobe City, Gippsland. I am committed to ensuring these communities have access to resources and networks that build resilience and connection.
In what ways are the FLAG team supporting playgroups to build their capacity to create a space that best suits the needs and preferences of those involved?
We support playgroups by providing resources, professional development, tailored support and networking opportunities.
Drawing on my experience in program design and community collaboration, I guide playgroup leaders in adapting their offerings to meet local needs. I also assist them in problem-solving and collaborating on solutions. By combining practical experience, pedagogical best practices, and a trauma-informed lens, I help create safe, welcoming spaces for families across Latrobe City.
What collaborative opportunities are open to playgroups in your area?
Playgroups in Gippsland thrive through strong partnerships with local councils, health services, early learning centres, schools, and community organisations.
Each year during Children's Week, we host the combined Teddy Bear Picnic, and once again, we will be inviting playgroups to take part. This event offers a wonderful opportunity for playgroups to connect with support agencies, network with each other, and engage with the wider community.
What would you say is your focus area? What are you most passionate about working towards and why?
My focus is on community development through inclusive, play-based programs that strengthen family and community connections.
“I am passionate about empowering families and reducing social isolation by creating safe, supportive spaces where they feel valued.”
A key part of my work is identifying the unique gaps in each community and finding the right playgroup solution, much like matching the right shape to the right gap in a sorting toy. Latrobe City’s unique character calls for community-driven responses, and I’m passionate about supporting solutions that truly reflect local needs and strengths.
How do you create a playgroup that is right for the attendees, suiting the needs and abilities of those involved?
I prioritise the needs of families by gathering community feedback and tailoring programs accordingly. Before launching a playgroup, I conduct one-to-one interviews with local families, speak with local leaders and consult with early learning centres and community organisations. This helps identify community priorities, determine the most suitable playgroup structure and proactively address any potential challenges. I also draw on frameworks such as the Early Years Learning Framework and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child to ensure activities align with best practice while maintaining a welcoming and supportive environment for families.
What would you say to families who are hesitant to attend their local playgroup?
I would start by listening to their concerns and sharing my own experience of how playgroups helped ease my family’s transition to Gippsland. I would emphasise that playgroups are judgment-free spaces where families can connect with others, build friendships and form a support network. They offer opportunities to access resources like parenting tips and local services. Playgroups provide children with the opportunity to learn and grow alongside other children using play as a vehicle for discovery.
“It is so important for parents and care givers to take time for themselves and their children. Playgroup offers a special, magical time for you and your child, a break from the daily routine. When you're at playgroup, there’s no need to worry about the washing, sweeping the floors, or making the beds. This time is purely for you and your child. Time moves so quickly during the early years, and playgroup is a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories together.”
As the saying goes, "It takes a village to raise a child," and playgroups offer exactly that—a chance to be part of a supportive village that helps families thrive. I’d also invite them to observe a session first, so they can feel comfortable before participating. There’s no pressure to jump in until they’re ready. Playgroups are all about creating a welcoming space where families are supported every step of the way.
How do you create playgroup spaces that make families feel welcome?
Creating a sense of belonging is at the heart of building a welcoming playgroup environment. I prioritise making families feel genuinely seen, heard and valued by fostering a warm, supportive atmosphere where everyone feels heard. I encourage positive communication styles, ensuring every interaction strengthens trust and connection. Drawing inspiration from my own experiences with an exceptional playgroup facilitator, I focus on creating spaces where families feel safe, respected and part of a community.
Regular feedback loops and the use of culturally sensitive resources also help to deepen this sense of belonging for all families. When families feel empowered to speak up, they are more likely to actively engage and contribute to shaping a playgroup environment where everyone can thrive.
In what ways do the FLAG team empower playgroup leaders and volunteers?
I aim to empower playgroup leaders and volunteers through regular workshops and one-to-one support. Playgroups have an open channel for assistance, enabling them to reach out at any time with questions or needs. I have developed resources and supported playgroups in creating their own to streamline administrative tasks and ensure they feel well-equipped to handle what comes their way. I also conduct regular check-in phone calls and celebrate successes to boost motivation and team morale. I often receive calls for specific assistance, with each request tailored to the unique needs of their community. Additionally, I actively promote the Latrobe playgroup profile to raise awareness and support enrolments across all playgroups, ensuring families know where to find and join playgroups.
In what ways is your team working to create sustainable playgroups for local communities?
Sustainability is achieved through strong community partnerships, continuous feedback, and tailored playgroup program design. By engaging local leaders and aligning with cultural values, I ensure that playgroups evolve to meet long-term community needs. I also prioritise training opportunities for volunteers and leaders, empowering them to take ownership over fundraising and reduce reliance on external funding.
What events have the FLAG team taken part it and how have they benefited playgroups and local families in the area?
Latrobe Teddy Bear Picnic: This event fosters community engagement, allowing playgroups to network with local families and service providers, strengthening relationships and creating new opportunities for collaboration.
Community Inclusion Expo: This event provides a platform for promoting inclusivity, raising awareness of playgroup offerings and connecting families with playgroup services in the area.
Latrobe City Children’s Expo: By participating in this expo, I showcased the Latrobe playgroups to the community while running a raffle to gather information on how much the community knew about playgroups. This valuable feedback helped us identify areas where we could adjust our offerings to better meet community needs. The event was very successful in raising awareness and building connections within the local community.
High Street Hub Twilight Market: This market creates a fun and informal space for families to interact, offering a chance to promote playgroups and engage with the broader community.
Pop-up Playgroups (x7): These events bring playgroup activities directly to different areas, ensuring greater promotion and accessibility for families who may not have regular access to playgroup sessions or who face transportation barriers.
Conceptual STEM Sessions (x2): These sessions provide playgroups with valuable resources to engage children in hands-on learning activities, encouraging early interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in a playful and supportive environment (Bookings required, 22 in session 1, 14 in session 2).
Latrobe Playgroup Network: Being part of this network creates opportunities for collaboration between playgroups and support services, sharing best practices and resources, which strengthens the overall quality and sustainability of programs across the region. One meeting hosted so far.
Workshops (x2): Workshops provide professional development for playgroup leaders and volunteers, enhancing their skills and capacity to deliver high-quality programs that meet the diverse needs of families.
What do you enjoy most about working with children and families?
What I enjoy most about working with children and families is how extremely rewarding it is to see families come together, share experiences, and support each other.
I particularly love watching children as they naturally learn through play. Their curiosity drives them to explore, question, and engage with the world around them, constantly extending their learning. Their imagination and creativity have no limits, and it’s amazing to see how they express themselves in unexpected and powerful ways, learning to use their voice in the process.
“This ability to learn and grow through playful interaction is true magic. Seeing that growth and connection unfold in real-time is what makes this work so fulfilling.”
What have you found most enriching and enjoyable in your role so far?
I get to do something that many people might find intimidating or overwhelming, and I feel truly privileged to have the opportunity to support my community by providing such a valuable resource, playgroups. I’m able to dedicate time to building up community leaders, offering them guidance, and encouraging them to reach their full potential.
One of the most enjoyable parts of my role is hearing from parents that when their children see my van coming through town, they get excited, knowing playgroup is about to start. I often reflect on how the playgroup bus will be a lasting memory from their childhood, and I’m honoured to be part of that experience.
Many parents don’t receive the support they need, and I am deeply honoured to be there for them, offering a space where they can feel supported, connected and encouraged. Beyond the direct impact on families, I see the ever-expanding effect of playgroups creating stronger social networks, fostering a sense of belonging and enriching the entire community.
The little wins during playgroup—like a child taking their first steps, negotiating toys for the first time, or learning a new skill—are what truly make this work so rewarding. It is also wonderful to reassure parents that they are doing a great job and remind them that every child develops at their own pace, which helps create a more supportive environment for both families and children.
Connect with Sascha: srsharam@playgroup.org.au
Learn more about Playgroup Development and Support here
Article by Sinead Halliday