In rural towns across Australia, playgroups are more than just a space for children to play. They serve as vital lifelines, fostering connection, reducing social isolation, and building resilience in families navigating the unique challenges of rural life. With a long history of equipping parents with confidence, skills, and social networks, playgroups are crucial to helping children thrive in their early years.
However, not all families can easily access these benefits. Our research highlighted that attending a playgroup is not always as simple as showing up. While rural communities are often celebrated for their strong ties, these same close-knit networks can unintentionally exclude newcomers. In one culturally diverse rural town parents highlighted how difficult it could be to feel accepted.
“In farming communities, everyone has known each other forever—they all stick together and support one another,” one parent shared. “But if you’ve just moved to town, they’re maybe not very forthcoming. You feel excluded, and then you think—is it even worth going back?”
This underscores the need for targeted funding to ensure playgroups are inclusive. Paid skilled facilitators are key to breaking down social barriers and creating welcoming environments where families feel valued and connected. Facilitators can actively engage families who might otherwise feel excluded, while also bridging cultural divides to foster inclusivity.
The Early Years Partnership (EYP), a 10-year commitment between the Western Australian Government and the Minderoo Foundation aimed at improving child wellbeing and school readiness is transforming early childhood outcomes for children aged 0 to 4 in disadvantaged areas. While the EYP doesn’t directly fund playgroups, its support through fostering collaborative partnerships has been pivotal. Community Connectors are engaging families, fostering trust and bringing cultural perspectives to early years programs.
One success story is the E Tipu E’ Rea playgroup, which was inspired by EYP parent surveys, funded by Communities for Children, and supported by Community Connectors. The group has successfully engaged Māori families, creating a space where cultural identity is celebrated. Similarly, an Aboriginal-led playgroup supported by the Kadadjiny Aboriginal Corporation and funded by Amity Health, has engaged Community Connectors and seen remarkable reach of disengaged young Aboriginal families in its first year. These tailored efforts led by the EYP are building stronger connections and a sense of belonging in the rural community.
For many parents, playgroups have been transformative.
“The people I’ve met—we all rely on each other,” one parent said. “We help each other out. If someone’s having a hard time, we turn up at their house. If someone’s got appointments, we babysit each other’s kids. My village has come from playgroup.”
The success of these initiatives highlights that investing in playgroups is about more than early childhood development—it’s about fostering social inclusion. Playgroups bring communities together, creating a sense of belonging that strengthens families and communities alike.
To ensure these benefits reach every family, funding must prioritise inclusivity. This includes sustained investment in permanent paid positions to manage playgroups and actively engage families most in need. By doing so, we can continue to address social isolation, strengthen families, and promote healthier outcomes for children.
Playgroups are a proven model for building connection, resilience, and belonging in communities. By prioritising funding that supports skilled facilitators and tailored initiatives, we can ensure that every child and parent, regardless of background, can thrive.
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