What is the First Nations Playgroups Pilot Program?
The First Nations Playgroups Pilot Program is a national initiative, in partnership with SNAICC – National Voice for our Children and the Australian Government Department of Social Services, for the development of new playgroups for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families that are culturally informed and take into account community needs and views.
First Nations Playgroups aims to make a sustainable impact on communities by building the capacity of Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and supporting the long-term development of culturally appropriate early childhood services. 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 our children have the best possible start in life.
First Nations Playgroups involves 13 selected Aboriginal 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 Womens Aboriginal Corporation
- Puuya Foundation
- Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation
- Umoona Community Council Incorporated
- Wuchopperen Health Service Limited
- Yappera Children’s Service Co-operative Limited
- Yerrabi Yurwang Child & Family Aboriginal Corporation
Playgroups are informal gatherings for parents of children under school age that encourage parent-child activities and are an important point for prevention and early intervention for children and families. By working closely with other community services, playgroups can contribute to improved effectiveness of service delivery in their respective communities and contribute to achieving improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
The First Nations Playgroups Pilot Program is guided by a culturally informed approach, incorporating community views to ensure the services meet the needs of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
Our role
SNAICC – National Voice for our Children has an essential role in the First Nations Playgroups Pilot Program as Community Partner.
Since the announcement of the First Nations Playgroups Pilot Program, SNAICC has been responsible for advising the Department of Social Services and consulting with Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and communities in delivering 13 new playgroups around Australia. As Community Partner, this ensures that the new playgroups are established through a culturally informed understanding of the local needs, capacities and specific challenges faced by individual communities.
SNAICC supports the establishment of these new playgroups by providing guidance on operational and management needs, advising on implementation options and ongoing engagement to address any emerging issues. The ongoing support for Aboriginal community-controlled organisations ensures a community-led delivery of playgroup activities and addresses any emerging challenges directly, through regular consultation and review.
Background
As part of the 2022-23 Budget, the Australian Government announced $12.4 million in dedicated funding to be delivered over 4 years to boost access to playgroups and toy libraries for children and families across Australia.
As part of this funding, $2.1 million will provide accessible and affordable spaces, resources and opportunities for First Nations children to play together and for parents and carers to seek social and parenting support.
To date, 13 Aboriginal community-controlled organisations have been approved to share in the funding, to assist with pilot First Nations playgroup initiatives that 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.
The funding will support the establishment of new playgroups for some grantees, and provide additional assistance to existing playgroups to help contribute to:
- increased operating hours
- intergenerational programs promoting the continuation or revitalisation of language
- mobile playgroups and outreach services
- toy libraries, to ensure families can access developmentally appropriate toys, to promote play-based learning for children from a range of backgrounds
- transportation and increased accessibility – Yerrabi Yerwang leasing and maintenance of a bus – where there is no public transport available for families
- support workforce training and development
- minor capital works and resources
- additional staffing – workforce training and development opportunities
- community engagement initiatives, community fun days to promote the service.
Investment directly in playgroups and toy libraries that are operated by Aboriginal community‑controlled organisations will boost the availability of culturally appropriate resources for children and parents, including resources that champion Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and language. Community views guide the design of playgroup services so that they align with the needs of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children.