Playgroup Victoria

Playgroup Victoria is a not-for-profit, incorporated association committed to helping all Victorian families discover the benefits of playgroup. We advocate for the benefits of play in a child’s early years of learning and act as a support base for communities and families wanting to start and successfully run a playgroup. During the early ’70s, hundreds of playgroups scattered throughout Melbourne and country Victoria. There became a need for some cohesion and networking between these groups and parents wanting to start and join playgroups. In response to the need, a group of hard-working volunteers came together and invited playgroups and interested people to ring in for advice and support. The response was so great that in 1974, the Victorian Playgroup Association was formed. Its goals were to set up an advisory service, fulfil the need for workshops, lectures and discussions related to parenthood and life with children, and liaise with local, state and federal governments. More than 50 years on, Playgroup Victoria is still working to ensure families have access to and can participate in Playgroup. Funding from the Commonwealth and State Governments has enabled Playgroup Victoria to develop a Community Development model of support. This place base approach ensures the needs of the community are understood which fosters relationships within local early childhood services to be developed. Playgroup Victoria have been endorsed as a Tax Concession Charity (TCC) by the Australian Tax Office and has Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) for all its activities. As an endorsed DGR, Playgroup Victoria is entitled to receive income tax deductible gifts and deductible contributions from individual donors, corporate and philanthropic trusts. What is a Playgroup? A playgroup is a group of parents or caregivers with their babies, toddlers and preschool children who get together regularly for play and social interaction.