Playgroups
Playgroups provide parents and caregivers with the opportunity to meet new people, gain support and ideas. They allow babies, toddlers and preschoolers to socialise as they play and learn together. All playgroups are different but the emphasis is on fun and friendship. Playgroups are informal, low cost and run by the parents and carers involved in the gatherings. A number of playgroups operate throughout our region.
Community Playgroups
Community playgroups are run by families attending the playgroup and usually a low cost is involved. These playgroups are often held in public facilities such as halls, churches, community centres and kindergartens.
Mildura Rural City Council Supported Playgroups
Council delivers several Supported Playgroups using the smalltalk model. The program is funded by the State Government's Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH), with the model developed by the Parenting Research Centre (PRC). For more information on eligibility into the 10 week program, locations, times and days of sessions please contact the facilitators at Council.
Who is Smalltalk for?
Smalltalk is for families with children up to five years of age. It is introduced to parents in Supported Playgroup sessions, with additional fortnightly one-on-one sessions available.
What happens at supported playgroups?
Activities include:
- indoor/outdoor play
- arts and crafts
- puzzles
- story-time
- nursery rhymes
- gardening and cooking
- shared snacks (provided)
Families also have the opportunity to discuss topics including following their child’s lead, listening and talking more, teachable moments and tuning in.
Please note: Eligibility criteria applies. Please contact our team to discuss further.
Supported Playgroup Facilitators
Ph: 03 5018 8100
Email: supportedplaygroups@mildura.vic.gov.au
For more information on smalltalk visit the smalltalk website