Helping families learn and grow with playgroups

As part of the 2022-23 Budget, the Australian Government announced $12.4 million over 4 years to boost access to playgroups and toy libraries.

Playgroups provide social and parenting support for parents and carers, support the development and wellbeing of children and parent-child relationships, and help families feel a sense of belonging and connection with their community.

Funding will also go to toy libraries to ensure families can access developmentally appropriate toys, to promote play-based learning for children from a range of backgrounds.

The program will be delivered by:

• direct funding agreements with the national organisations, Playgroup Australia and Toy Libraries Australia to identify and fund local playgroups and toy libraries across Australia including in regional and remote locations
• individual grants will also be provided to community based organisations that operate playgroups and toy libraries
• a First Nations Playgroup pilot to be delivered by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.

Contact PlaygroupsAndToylibraries@dss.gov.au for more information