New playgroups in Batemans Bay

Eurobodalla Council has received funding to run two new special interest playgroups in Batemans Bay for families with children under five, starting this month.

One playgroup will cater to families from multicultural backgrounds, while the other will be run at disability service Muddy Puddles to provide support for families who have concerns about their child’s development.

Council’s supported playgroups coordinator Lisa Heinze said the playgroups were funded through Playgroup NSW and designed to provide early learning pathways for vulnerable communities.

“We’re hoping these two new playgroups will help break down some of the barriers several local families are facing, such as isolation and a lack of support,” she said.

“Because Eurobodalla is a regional area, it can make it harder for some people to connect with the wider community and playgroup is a great place to do that.

“These two groups will provide a weekly opportunity for families to come together with others in a similar situation to themselves and discuss the joys and challenges of parenting as well as share knowledge and ideas and play.”

Ms Heinze said the Muddy Puddles group would suit any family concerned about their children’s learning, social or emotional development, while the multicultural playgroup would bring together families of all different backgrounds.

The sessions are free and include morning tea and structured activities related to parenting and children’s development, as well as free play.

The Play Strong Multicultural Playgroup will be held on Thursdays, from 9.30-11.30am at the Batemans Bay Child and Family Centre at 1 Melaleuca Crescent, Catalina, from 25 July.

Play Strong Playgroup Batemans Bay will be held on Fridays, from 9.30-11.30am, at Muddy Puddles, 1A Melaleuca Crescent, Catalina, from 26 July.

The playgroups are funded thanks to Playgroup NSW via a NSW Government Start Strong Pathways grant and are an addition to Council’s existing 3Bs playgroups, run throughout the shire.

For more information phone Council’s children’s services on 4474 7333.