Seven sleeps till free playgroup membership for Queensland families

Every Queensland family with a child under one will be eligible for a free 12-month Playgroup Queensland membership from 1 July, Education Minister Kate Jones said today.

Ms Jones announced the Palaszczuk Government’s $1.6 million Play Stars initiative at the ‘Out of the Box’ children’s festival at Southbank.

“There are seven more sleeps till eligible Queensland families can enjoy a free 12-month family membership to Playgroup Queensland,” she said.

“From 1 July, eligible families can register online at www.playgroupqld.com.au or by telephone 1800 171 882 to receive the Play Stars offer.

“The first three years of a child’s life are crucial for development, so creating more opportunities for children to learn, grow and develop through play is vital.

“Play Stars will also help connect parents with other parents in a relaxed environment where they can share experiences, learn from each other and build social networks.

“The Palaszczuk Government has secured a five-year partnership with Playgroup Queensland, the peak body for playgroups in our state, to deliver the Play Stars initiative.

“I encourage as many families as possible to register as Play Stars and use the Play Stars website to locate their nearest playgroup or perhaps even create their own new local playgroup.”

Playgroup Queensland CEO Ian Coombe said he welcomed Play Stars, saying the initiative was a great boost to the organisation’s aim of providing quality opportunities for young children to learn through play, while supporting parents and carers in their role as first teachers.

“Play is the easiest way to help a child learn and grow because ‘play’ is fun; it is how a child learns,” Mr Coombe said.

“It gives the best possible start to childhood through connecting and bonding – with benefits that last a lifetime.

“Being part of a playgroup allows families to develop a sense of belonging within their community and gives them reassurance that they are not alone in their parental journey.

“It also plays an informal role in connecting families with other local information sources, services, networks and community activities.”

The Play Stars offer applies to any Playgroup Queensland-affiliated playgroup.

More information on Play Stars including how to register is available at: www.playgroupqld.com.au

Media: Matt Jutsum 0408 998 940