Playgroups return to Strathbogie Shire

Strathbogie Shire Council’s Supported Playgroups have returned, enabling eligible families to attend the free playgroups with a paid facilitator.

Held in townships across the Strathbogie Shire, the groups are funded through the Department of Families, Fairness & Housing.

Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Chris Raeburn said the sessions included the Smalltalk Program.

“The Smalltalk program offers parents strategies to support children’s home-learning through play,” he said.

“It’s a 10-week program, but eligible families can come for as long as they want.”

Strathbogie Shire Council Supported Playgroups Facilitator Michelle Leech said while the program was available to eligible families, part of her role included assisting some families to transition into community-run playgroups throughout the Strathbogie Shire.

“There are some fantastic community-run playgroups across the Shire in Euroa, Longwood, Nagambie, and Violet Town,” she said.

“These are a fantastic alternative for families who are not eligible to attend the supported playgroups.”

Cr Raeburn said it was an important time for families to connect through social settings such as playgroups.

“With COVID-19 restrictions continuing to ease, and lots of new families moving into our Shire in recent months, people are keen to join groups and meet people again,” he said.

To see if you are eligible to attend a supported playgroup, please contact Michelle Leech at Strathbogie Shire Council on (03) 5795 0000 on Wednesday or Friday afternoons or via email on info@strathbogie.vic.gov.au