Community
7 February, 2025
New playgroup launches for Derri’, Lismore
A NEW playgroup is forming for families in Derrinallum and Lismore, with parents invited to come along and find out more about the group.
Corangamite Shire Council enhanced early years support worker Ella Hasell said the playgroup began as an idea from a past local mother who saw a community need for a playgroup.
“This mum reached out to the maternal child health (MCH) nurse who then contacted me to assist,” she said.
“I met with this mum at her house to discuss the first step to forming a playgroup.
“Unfortunately, this mum moved away so she couldn’t be a part of the first session.”
The first session was recently held at the Fairway Café in Lismore, with eight families attending the first session.
Ms Hasell said it was a “huge success,” with numbers high for a first session in a small township.
“The venue was also a great place to hold the group as the owner provided mums with coffee at café prices,” she said.
“A mum who has her own cake business provides slices and cake for the café which were also sold today.
“The venue itself is a welcoming environment that is safe for children to play. There is an outside area where children can play outside.
“After speaking to a few mums, they agreed that the café was a great place to hold the first session.
“We hope in the future we can keep using the café; however, this is to be confirmed.”
As the playgroup is still in early stages, the group is still seeking donations of toys for the children to play with during the sessions, with some families already providing donations to the group.
Ms Hasell said activities for the group are yet to take place, with an access to early learning practitioner to take over to introduce activities such as arts and crafts and songs and rhymes.
“Once Meli have supported this playgroup further and a community member puts their hand up to facilitate the group, it will be 100 per cent community led,” she said.
“Our hope for the future of the playgroup is for it to be 100 per cent community operated by mums and dads.
“We also hope the playgroup lasts and evolves as parents come and go.
“There are also ideas for the group to communicate with Skipton playgroup by sharing ideas and resources if needed.”
Interested parents are invited to come along to the playgroup, which runs from 10am every Wednesday at the Fairway Café at 142 High Street, Lismore.
For more information, including on where to deliver toy donations, contact Ms Hasell via email at ella.hasell@corangamite.vic.gov.au.
Read More: Derrinallum, Lismore