Accessible Playgroups Initiative
Playgroup Queensland's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Playgroup Resource Unit is available to provide support and assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to establish community and supported Playgroups.
Assistance can include training for workers, support for families, resources and activities, and on site mentoring for workers. Workers are based in Cairns and Brisbane. Information and telephone support are also provided to Indigenous community playgroups throughout Queensland and visits can be undertaken.
As an early intervention strategy, Indigenous Playgroups provide an opportunity for family focused early intervention, using the Playgroup as a means of family support.
Family support empowers the families by assisting them to identify and develop their own strengths and resources.
The children develop a positive sense of identity through knowledge and understanding of their family and culture. Attendance at Playgroup sessions provides the parents and carers with an environment where pride in family and cultural identity can be fostered.
Strengths of an Indigenous Playgroup can be seen as:
- A model that fits well with Indigenous family ideas, that is family looks after children and family members can attend the Playgroup with the children.
- Providing an opportunity for Playgroup coordinators to model positive and appropriate parenting skills to the families.
- Providing opportunities for families to access local family support workers in a non-threatening environment.
- Providing an opportunity for children’s developmental needs to be informally assessed.
- Working in partnership with local Indigenous agencies, government departments and other early childhood services to establish and support Indigenous Playgroups.
Over three years there will be 45 Indigenous Playgroups operating throughout Queensland, from suburban Brisbane to Cape York.
For more information please call:
Brisbane: Andrew McMahon on 1800 171 882 or by email
Cairns: Donna McGaw on 4041 5574 or by email
Download our Accessible Playgroups Initiative brochure here
