Playgroups get together ahead of Christmas break

Published on 19 December 2023

About 40 children and 40 parents had a ball at the Corangamite Shire playgroups’ Christmas party.

The end of year celebration was held at the Cobden Miniature Trains on December Friday 1.

Corangamite Shire Council Enhanced Early Years Support Worker Amanda Gibson said families rode ride the trains, spend some time on the playground and get to know other families.

“The whole day was about all the playgroups in Corangamite Shire getting together to meet and have an end of year celebration,” she said.

“Some of the playgroups provided craft activities and a bubble machine which the kids loved.”

The event was co-facilitated by Council’s Maternal and Child Health Service, Meli (the recently merged Bethany group and Barwon Child, Youth and Family), Timboon & District Healthcare Service and Camperdown Community House and the volunteers of Cobden Miniature Railway.

“Health Promotion Officer Christie Berry from Timboon and District Healthcare Service did a presentation on healthy lunchboxes.

“Camperdown Community House provided towards a healthy morning tea.

“Santa arrived by train, ringing his bell. He gave out gifts and we also gave out ice-creams from Bulla which it was kind of them to donate.”

The attendees came from playgroups based at Camperdown, Cobden, Simpson, Terang, Timboon and Wiridgil.

“Playgroups are really important for early development and socializing with other children,” Ms Gibson said.

“They are often the space where children are able to practice, learn and develop their social skills with other children.

They also help improve children’s physical development through exploring new areas and learning opportunities with playgroup-based activities.

“It’s also good for parents to get out of the house and socialise with other parents.

“It was great to see some dads turn up.”

To find your nearest playgroup, click here or call Ms Gibson on 5593 7100.