New playgroups to benefit Indigenous families

More than 300 Indigenous families and children will benefit from up to $1 million over two years in Australian Government funding for additional playgroups in the Northern Territory.

Mobile Intensive Support Playgroups will be established in the town camps of Katherine and Tennant Creek, providing extensive support to isolated and disadvantaged families.

The Australian Government values the contribution made by playgroups to delivering essential education and support for parents.

Family support and early childhood workers will deliver programs to help stabilise families by building strong links with a range of community services.

The new playgroups are jointly funded by the Northern Territory Emergency Response and the Playgroup Program and builds on the Australian Government’s commitment to improving the lives of Indigenous children.

Good Beginnings Australia will provide the playgroup services in Katherine and Julalikari Council Aboriginal Corporation will deliver the playgroups in Tennant Creek.

Each Intensive Support Playgroup will receive up to $200,000 a year as well as up to $100,000 in start-up funding.

This initial funding will help to engage target communities, undertake local consultations and purchase playgroup equipment and a vehicle.

Playgroups help develop children’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive abilities and provide important opportunities for parents to establish social and support networks to assist them in parenting.

Celebrating National Playgroup Week, we should recognise that playgroups are a significant but often under-used resource.