Blackall Community Playgroup Continues to Grow

Since 2022, Lady Gowrie Queensland’s Blackall community playgroup has grown from being a humble initiative to a centre where children aged 0 – 5 can thrive, and their families can help nurture their growth.

Each week, the families of the regional town participate in the free community playgroup, spearheaded by the Community Engagement Officer for Lady Gowrie Queensland’s Blackall Early Years Service, Nicky Martin. The program is strongly supported by the region’s local schools and rotates locations – from the local park, Blackall State School and St Joseph’s Catholic School Blackall.

There are many members of the community who help drive the success of the playgroup, including Kristie Olive, who regularly volunteers her time to host sessions at St Joseph’s Catholic School Blackall. Playgroup mum and local Outback Futures Parent Support Officer, Laura Noble, has also contributed to the value the playgroup provides families.

Recently, Laura brought along her colleagues, Georgie and Marisa, to not only allow families to have some informal discussions about their children’s development but also capture precious moments through video footage and photos as part of a marketing campaign for the region.

The success of the playgroup stems from the Australian Early Development Consensus (AEDC), after AEDC data showed a strong need for children in regional communities to have access to engaging early education programs before starting school. As a result, Lady Gowrie Queensland joined forces with Nicky Martin to address this need and offer support.

From its modest beginnings with just a handful of attendees, the playgroup has grown exponentially, welcoming an ever-increasing number of families each term. Just last week, the Blackall playgroup had its largest attendance for Term 2 already, with 20 children and approximately 6 new families. This stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration and the unwavering commitment to providing every child with the best possible start in life.

As we celebrate this remarkable journey, it’s clear that the story of Blackall’s community playgroup is not just one of success, but of resilience, dedication, and above all, the boundless potential of every child. It serves as a shining example of what can be achieved when communities come together to invest in their youngest members, laying the foundation for a brighter, more inclusive future for all.