Palaszczuk Government extends free playgroup

Thousands more Queensland families with children under one will have access to free Playgroup, thanks to the Palaszczuk Government extending its free Playgroup campaign.

Education Minister Grace Grace today announced that the successful Play Stars initiative would continue for another three years, providing additional support for up to 10,000 Playgroup families.

“The Palaszczuk Government will invest $2.4 million over the next three years to continue the highly successful Play Stars partnership with Playgroup Queensland,” she said.

“We want to continue to create opportunities for every child to access quality early years experiences, no matter where they live.

“Playgroups give babies and young children opportunities to build the foundations for social, emotional and physical development. 

“They also support young parents and carers to build social networks and share experiences.

“This was particularly important throughout 2020, when Playgroup Queensland offered Playgroup at Home activities to minimise isolation for parents and carers and children.

“I thank Playgroup Queensland for helping to support Queensland families with young children during the challenges imposed by the pandemic.”

Ms Grace announced the extension today, during National Playgroup Week 2021 where she joined playgroup families and Playgroup Queensland staff on the Speaker’s Green at Parliament House.

Playgroup Queensland chief executive officer Kirsty Dixon the organisation was pleased to celebrate the milestone of welcoming 10,000 families to the Play Stars initiative over the past five years.

“The commitment of a further $2.4 million, over the next three years, will allow many more families the opportunity to join the supportive and nurturing environment of playgroup,” she said.

“We cannot wait to welcome more to our Playgroup Queensland family.”

The Palaszczuk Government originally committed $1.58 million funding over five years in 2016 to boost Playgroup activity by providing free membership for families to Playgroup Queensland and increasing development of online tools, resources and social media.

PlayStars provides free 12-month Playgroup Queensland membership, including access to online resources, for any Queensland family with a child under one.   

The funding was due to end in mid-2021.

ENDS

Media contact: Laura McKee 0451 997 920