Parents and carers across Gippsland are getting a helping hand in establishing and operating community playgroups, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

The Great Start Community Playgroup Fund will help new playgroups cover set-up fees and also stock up on toys, play equipment, books and other resources that can be used by families.

The $50,000 fund supports the establishment of community playgroups across the state. Families in rural and regional areas and in places where there are no existing playgroups are especially encouraged to apply.

Successful grant recipients will receive resources and mentoring support for their newly established community playgroup, valued at up to $1000.

More than 40,000 children and 30,000 families participate in playgroups in Victoria each year.

Playgroups help new parents to connect with one another, enabling them to learn from and support each other as their children grow.

Playgroups play a vital role in strengthening families and communities, and instilling Victorian children with a lifelong love of learning.

The Labor Government is making Victoria the Education State – and this begins with giving every child a strong start in life.

The Great Start Community Playgroup Fund is administered by Playgroup Victoria.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing:

“Playgroups provide a space where parents can support and learn from each other, and play an important role in their child’s early learning and development – a particularly critical time between birth and kindergarten.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children, Jenny Mikakos:

“Children learn so much by playing and socialising with each other, and playgroups provide them with this opportunity, which is why we want every Victorian family to have access to a quality playgroup close to home.”