17 May 2019
Playgroup Australia putting the community first
Throughout May playgroups across Australia have drawn together to celebrate Messy Play, International Day of Families (15 May), National Families Week (15–21 May). To close the month, we recognise National Reconciliation Week (27 May–3 June). Through these celebrations – families, caregivers, grandparents and children – have rallied together to highlight the importance of play in strengthening family and community bonds. Regardless of the results of tomorrow’s election – Playgroup Australia will continue to advocate for meaningful change through playgroups contribution to our community.
Yesterday, Playgroup CEO Fiona May joined other community representatives to raise childhood awareness through Families Australia’s Childaware Conference in Brisbane. As a champion for early childhood, she encouraged positive change through early investment, speaking to the importance of playgroup in making a difference in the first 1000 days.
“For more than 45 years, playgroups have been, are, and need to continue to be – a central element of the fabric of Australian society. Bringing together children and their caregivers to play and support each other. Enabling local connections between families. Supporting child development, parent-to-parent networks, and strengthening community cohesion.”
– Playgroup Australia CEO Fiona May.In the lead up to the election, Playgroup Australia has called on all parliamentarians to prioritise investment in national policy agendas, funding for playgroup, and more research into what works for children and families. We have been, and will continue, to advocate for recognition of the importance of early investment in party policy promises and actions.
“Investments of time and money in the first years of life have shown to be far more cost effective than investments made at any other time. Investing in playgroup is an investment in prevention and early intervention. An investment in the wellbeing of children and families.”
– Fiona MayTo compare the promises for early childhood across the major parties, read the Early Learning Everyone Benefits Policy guide.
Tomorrow 18 May, Australian votes will decide outcomes for our youngest generations and future communities. We encourage all voters to consider the importance of early investment as outlined in our policy priorities. We call on the elected party to champion the value of playgroups contribution to the Australian community by:
- Delivering a national policy agenda for child, family and community wellbeing for 2020 — 2035 to include recognition of the role of play and playgroup for children’s development and family outcomes;
- Developing a whole of government ‘Early Years Strategy’ which recognises the importance of family support, early childhood development and play based early learning across home, community and early childhood settings, noting the important role of playgroup in home and community settings;
- Increasing investment for community playgroup (by an additional $3m per annum ongoing);
- Establishing a national supported playgroup program which includes a focus on supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged communities and families, and on growing intergenerational playgroups ($3m per annum ongoing).
- Investing in the evidence base to build our understanding of early childhood and families, including the role of playgroup.
To end, we thank you – our families, community, and representatives for change – for championing the importance of playgroup. Together with our State and Territory Organisations, Playgroup Australia will continue to advocate the importance of play to support parents and communities through crucial developmental milestones for the best start to life. Stronger families. Stronger communities.
Playgroup Australia invites all families to join their local playgroup or start their own. Together we can build a strong foundation for future Australians by creating a village through play. Visit playgroupaustralia.com.au to find out more.