What is the First Nations Playgroups Pilot Program?

The First Nations Playgroups Pilot Program is a national initiative delivered in partnership between SNAICC – National Voice for our Children and the Australian Government Department of Social Services to strengthen access to culturally safe early childhood development opportunities in community that support children’s learning, wellbeing and connection to culture from the earliest years.

First Nations Playgroups supports the establishment and strengthening of playgroups that are designed by community, for community, and are grounded in local cultural knowledge, priorities and strengths. Playgroups are led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations and respond directly to the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities.

The program aims to build the long-term capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations while contributing to sustainable, culturally appropriate early childhood services. By supporting strong early learning environments and family connections, First Nations Playgroups contributes to improved developmental outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and aligns with national child and family wellbeing reform priorities. By aligning with national strategies and reform priorities, the playgroups program contributes to closing the developmental gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have the best possible start in life.

Through community-led design and strong partnerships, First Nations Playgroups reflects a commitment to self-determination and holistic early childhood development. Community views guide service delivery to ensure playgroups meet local needs and support children and families to thrive. By investing directly in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisation led playgroups and community-identified models, the program is building a stronger, more equitable early years landscape for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Our role

SNAICC is the official Community Partner of the First Nations Playgroups Pilot Program.

Since the announcement of the program, SNAICC has worked closely with the Australian Government Department of Social Services and participating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations to support the establishment and delivery of playgroups across Australia.

SNAICC provides culturally informed advice on program design and implementation, supports organisations with operational and governance considerations, and facilitates ongoing engagement to address emerging challenges. Through monthly catchups, resource development and capacity-building initiatives, SNAICC helps ensure playgroups are community-led, culturally strong and responsive to local needs.

First Nations Playgroups is part of SNAICC’s broader early childhood development work, working alongside other national initiatives that aim to improve early years outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. These include Connected Beginnings, Early Years Support and the Early Childhood Care and Development Policy Partnership. Our collective work aligns with national priorities under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, strengthening community control, shared decision-making and culturally safe services to achieve lasting improvements in early childhood development outcomes.

Why playgroups matter

Playgroups are informal, welcoming spaces where parents and carers of children under school age can come together to support their children’s development through play-based learning. They provide an important point for prevention and early intervention, strengthening parent–child relationships and supporting families to connect with services and community.

Delivered through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations, playgroups are trusted, culturally embedded spaces and provide soft, non-judgemental entry points into early childhood education, family support and broader community services. They also serve as hubs for family connection, parenting guidance, and child development, while supporting transitions into formal early learning and schooling.

The First Nations Playgroups Pilot Program is guided by a culturally informed approach that centres community voices in the design and delivery of services. Local knowledge, relationships and leadership shape how each playgroup operates, ensuring services reflect community strengths, priorities and aspirations. Playgroups are shaped by Elders, cultural leaders, and the lived experience of families, reflecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing. This approach supports self-determination and recognises that communities are best placed to support their children’s early learning and wellbeing.

Participating organisations

The First Nations Playgroups Pilot Program supports playgroups delivered by the following Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations:

• Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Association
• Dalaigur Pre-school and Children’s Services Aboriginal Corporation
• Gyndarna Indigenous Corporation
• Julyardi Aboriginal Corporation
• Napranum Pal Group Limited
• Ngroo Education Aboriginal Corporation
• Ngunga Group Women’s Aboriginal Corporation
• Puuya Foundation
• Tangentyere Council
• Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation
• Umoona Community Council Incorporated
• Wuchopperen Health Service Limited
• Yappera Children’s Service Co-operative Limited
• Yerrabi Yurwang Child & Family Aboriginal Corporation

Across participating sites, organisations report increased family participation, stronger community connections and improved pathways into early learning and support services. Impact is measured not only through attendance, but through strengthened relationships, cultural pride and the wellbeing of children and families.

Background

As part of the 2022–23 Federal Budget, the Australian Government committed $12.4 million over four years to increase access to playgroups and toy libraries for children and families across Australia.

Within this investment, $2.1 million was allocated to support First Nations playgroups, providing accessible and affordable spaces, resources and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to learn and play together, and for parents and carers to access social and parenting support.

Funding under the First Nations Playgroups Pilot Program supports both the establishment of new playgroups and additional support for existing services. This includes investment in:

• increased operating hours,
• intergenerational programs supporting language continuation and revitalisation,
• mobile playgroups and outreach services,
• toy libraries promoting play-based learning,
• transport and accessibility support where public transport is limited,
• workforce training and development,
• minor capital works and resources,
• additional staffing, and
• community engagement activities and events.

Investment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled playgroups and toy libraries strengthens access to culturally appropriate early childhood resources and services that promote culture, language and community connection.