Playgroups

Benefits of playgroup

Playgroup is a place where parents and caregivers come together with their babies, toddlers, and preschool children for regular play and social interaction. It takes place in a range of community venues and provides a safe, welcoming space where adults stay with their children while they play and connect with others. 

Playgroups help families build friendships, reduce feelings of isolation, and feel more connected to their community. They also support parents and caregivers by sharing ideas, experiences, and advice about raising children. This can help build confidence and provide reassurance about children’s behaviour and development. 

For children, playgroup is a fun way to learn how to play and socialise with others. It supports early learning and development through play, helps children explore new environments, and introduces them to new activities and resources. 

Playgroups are inclusive spaces that encourage families to relax, have fun, and build strong, lasting connections within their community. 

Community playgroups

Community playgroups are usually run by parents, carers, or volunteers, with families supporting by helping set up activities, joining in during play, and packing up at the end of each session. They generally meet once a week during school terms for up to two hours at different local community venues.

Everyone is welcome at a community playgroup. There is usually a small cost to help cover the running costs of the playgroup. 

If you're interested or want more information about a specific community playgroup, see our playgroup directory below and contact the playgroup directly. 

If you're interested in starting a community playgroup, you can visit our Start your own playgroup section to learn more. 

Find a community playgroup 

Search the playgroup directory by suburb or locate your nearest playgroup using our interactive map.

Bundoora

The following playgroups take place in Bundoora.

Babycafe Playgroup
Community Playgroup for first time new mums with bubs under six months old.
Contact: Irene
Location:
Hope Centre Building (Behind Lollipops)
5/19 Enterprise Drive

Phone: 0435 306 355
Email: womenslifemelbourne@gmail.com
Cost: Free to attend. A simple once off registration is required to attend.
When: Thursdays 

Bundoora Chinese Playgroup
Culturally and language diverse playgroup
Contact: Celine
Location:
151 McLeans Road Bundoora

Email: littlefriendschineseplaygroup@gmail.com
When: Tuesdays 10am - 12pm

Bundoora Sensory Playgroup 

Nino Early Learning Adventures Bundoora holds playgroups for children aged 0 - 5 years.  

Led by an Early Childhood educator, the Playgroup brings families together to play, make friends, and build supportive connections. 

Location: Nino ELA Bundoora 
222 Plenty Rd
Entrance via Enterprise Dr  

Onsite parking available. 

Contact: Emma/Anita 
Phone: 03 9977 6650 
When: Fortnightly on Fridays, 11.00am – 12.00pm 
Cost: Free

Concord Playgroup
Community Playgroup
Contact: Sam 
Location:
Yulong Reserve
9 Cameron Parade

Email: enrolments@concordplaygroup.org.au
Visit the Concord Playgroup website for further details. 
Cost: $50 each term per family, or $40 per term per family for Concession Card holders. Discounts apply for enrolling in more than one term.
When: Monday to Friday sessions 9am-11am, 11.30am-1.30pm, 2pm-4pm. Tuesday and Thursday sessions 2-5pm casual drop in for members.  

Explorers Playgroup
Community Playgroup

The groups are for all preschoolers 0 - 6 years and we run a structured program with educational games, stories and songs.

Location:
Bundoora Presbyterian Church
3/19 Enterprise Drive

Contact: Rachel
Phone: 0409 597 284
Email: explorers@bpc.org.au
Cost: Free to attend *A simple once off registration is required to attend.
When: Wednesday and Thursday 10am - 11:30am

Unihill Playgroup
Playgroup sessions run for 90 minutes. Each session includes a large free play area, craft activities and rhyme/story time. Suitable for pre schoolers.
Contact: Chris Drowley

Location:
30 Graduate Road
(access via Unihill Church Carpark)

Phone: 0403 436 875
Email: playgroup@unihillchurch.com.au
Cost: $25 per term per family
When: Sessions run on a Friday morning each fortnight during the school term. There are various session times available.

Donnybrook

Donnybrook Community Playgroup

We run weekly community playgroup sessions during school terms. They provide children, parents and carers the opportunities to learn and grow together through play- based activities.

Location: 
Olivine Active Open Space Pavilion
2A Cycad Avenue Donnybrook

Contact: Taran
Phone: 0405 035 417
Opening hours: Thursday 10:30am - 12:30pm (during school term)
Cost: $20

Doreen

The following playgroups take place in Doreen:

Doreen Community Playgroup
Playgroup for new parents and bubs.

Location:
Laurimar Community Activity Centre
110 Hazel Glen Drive

Email: doreenplaygroup@outlook.com.au
Visit: Doreen Community Playgroup Facebook page

Cost: $20 membership per school term
When: Wednesday 10am - 12pm 

Epping

The following playgroups take place in Epping.

Baby Playgroup
Our baby playgroup is for parents, grandparents, and carers who would like to get together to have a cuppa, chat, share parenting stories, and of course, let their babies play and socialise. Siblings who are pre-schoolers can of course also join. We will have a large, secure playpen for young babies. Existing mother’s groups are welcome.

Location:
Creeds Farm
2 Snugburgh Way

Phone: 03 9023 4606
Email: hello@creedsfarm.org.au
Cost: Free
When: Fridays 10am - 1pm
Visit the Creeds Farm website for further details.

DVMBA Playgroup
Playgroup for multiple-birth families in Epping.
Contact: Kaitlin

Location:
Epping Community Activity Centre
378 Findon Road

Email: vp@dvmba.amba.org.au
Cost: Free for families of Diamond Valley Multiple Birth Association
When: Tuesdays 11:30am - 1pm

Visit the Diamond Valley multiple birth association website for further details. 

ELF Supported Playgroup - Epping
A supported playgroup for residents of the City of Whittlesea. Please call for intake/referral process.

Contact: Nicole Ducat

Location:
Epping Primary School Greenbrook Campus
66 Peppercorn Parade

Phone: 0429 087 761
Email: nducat@berrystreet.org.au
Cost: Free (snack provided)
When: Thursday 9:30am - 12:00pm

Little blossoms Islamic Playgroup
Little Blossoms was created to offer a supportive, local space for mums and young children to connect, learn, and grow together. Inspired by the saying “It takes a village to raise a child,” the playgroup provides a nurturing environment rooted in Islamic values.

Location:
2 Snugburgh Way Epping

Email: hello@creedsfarm.org.au
Website: Creeds Farm Living and Learning Centre
Cost: $5
When: Thursday 10:30am - 12pm

Mainly Music Epping
Community Playgroup. Fun, affordable, interactive music program the whole family can enjoy. Includes a 30 minute music session, followed by morning tea, craft and free play. Our program is aimed at preschoolers though all ages are welcome.

Contact: Brooke
Location:
Enjoy Church
74 Wedge Street
Phone: 0433 980 010
Email: brooke_smith@live.co.uk
Visit: Mainly Music Epping Facebook page

Cost: Free under six months, $5 one child, $7 two or more children
When: Wednesday 10am - 11:30am (during school terms)

MyTime - Epping
MyTime is for parents and carers of a child with a disability, chronic medical condition or other additional needs including developmental delay.
Contact: Louisa Sheahan

Location:
Oakbrook Kindergarten
36 Holroyd Drive, Epping

Phone: 0466 237 634
Email: louisas@mytimevic.com.au
Cost: Free
When: Wednesdays fortnightly 9:30am - 12.00pm
Visit MyTime website for details.

Nepalese playgroup
Playgroup for Nepalese families with babies, toddlers and young children aged 0-5 years, supported by a Nepalese speaking playgroup leader. 

Location: VICSEG New Futures
Epping Hub, T1, U15, Block J
560-650 High St, Epping

Contact: Jeanette for booking
Phone: 03 9093 5188
Email: npg@vicsegnewfutures.org.au

When: Monday 10am-12pm
Cost: Free

Lalor

The following playgroups take place in Lalor.

Aozora Japanese Playgroup
We are a Culturally and Language Diverse Playgroup that offers Japanese speaking activities and playtime led by the attending parents for children aged 0-5 years old.

Location:
Vasey Park Preschool - Community Room
15 Vasey Ave

Contact: Yuki
Email: aozoraplaygroup_jp@hotmail.com
Cost: $5 per session or $30 per term
When: Friday 10am-12 noon
Visit the Aozora Facebook page for further information.

ELF Supported Playgroup – Lalor East Primary School 

A supported playgroup for residents of the City of Whittlesea. Please call for intake/referral process. 

Location: Lalor East Primary School
Contact: Nicole Ducat
Phone: 0429 087 761
Email: nducat@berrystreet.org.au
Cost: Free (snack provided)
When: Wednesdays 9:30am-12:00pm (during school term) 

Visit the Berry Street website for further information.  

ELF Supported Playgroup – Lalor North Primary School 

A supported playgroup for residents of the City of Whittlesea. Please call for intake/referral process. 

Location: Lalor East Primary School
Contact: Nicole Ducat
Phone: 0429 087 761
Email: nducat@berrystreet.org.au
Cost: Free (snack provided)
When: Fridays 9:30am-11:30am (during school term) 

Visit the Berry Street website for further information.  

Grandparents Community Playgroup 

Meet other grandparents caring for children and give children in your care a playgroup experience. 

When: Thursdays 11am – 12pm  

Grandparents are also welcome and encouraged to attend the Library Story Time prior to the playgroup, from 10:30am - 11am.

Where: Lalor Library, 2A May Road Lalor 

Cost: Free 

For further information, contact Lidija on 0401 987 615.

Kidz Bizz
Community Playgroup
Contact: Kathy

Location:
Citylife Church
70 Kingsway Drive

Phone: 03 9871 8951
Email: kidzbizz@citylife.church
Cost: $30 per 1 child over six months $40 per family ( two children over six months) Concessions available
When: Friday 9:30am -11:30am
Visit the City Life Church website for further information. 

Lalor North Primary School Playgroup
Story Songs and Smiles Facilitated playgroup
Contact: Amanda Lee

Location:
Lalor North Primary School
2 Dema Cres

Phone: 03 9465 4922
Cost: Free
When: Wednesday 9am - 10am

Mernda

The following playgroups take place in Mernda.

Cloudberry Playgroup 
A welcoming community playgroup for local speaking Persian/Farsi families with children aged 0–5 years, offering a warm and engaging space for connection, play and learning. 

Contact Name: Georgina 
Location: 33 Farmstead Way, Mernda (Cloudberry Early Learning) 
Phone: 03 9112 5907
Email: mernda@cloudberryelc.com.au

Cost: Free to attend 
When: Fridays 10am-11am 
Bookings: Bookings are essential 

Free to Be Me
An inclusive support group for parents, carers and their children aged 2-6 that require additional support. Free to Be Me provides opportunities to be connected to local supports and services, gain skills and knowledge to further support their child and socialise with fellow families. Sessions will include sensory based play opportunities.

Contact: Zoe - Early Years Practitioner

Location:
Jindi Family and Community Centre
48 Breadalbane Ave

Phone: 0482187190
Email: JindiEarlyYears@bsl.org.au
Cost: Free to attend. *A simple once off registration is required to attend.
When: Wednesdays 10:30am-11:30am (during school term)
Visit the Jindi Family and Community Centre website for further information. 

Mernda Community Playgroup

Mernda Community Playgroup is a fun, friendly, and welcoming place where babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents and carers can connect, play, and learn together.

Our playgroup offers a safe and engaging environment where children can learn through play, build confidence, develop social skills, and make new friends, while parents and carers connect with other local families.

Each session includes a variety of play-based activities, arts and crafts, sensory play, music, and outdoor play. At the conclusion of playgroup, families are invited to stay for a special Story Time session presented by the Mernda Library team from 11:00 am to 11:30 am.

Whether you're new to the area or simply looking to connect with other local families, we'd love to welcome you to our playgroup.

Location:
Mernda Villages Community Centre
70 Mernda Village Drive

Contact: Sarah
Email: merndacommunityplaygroup@outlook.com

Cost: $20 per family, per term
When: Mondays 9:00am – 11.00am during school terms, followed by Mernda Library Story Time from 11:00am – 11:30am.

Visit the Mernda Community Playgroup facebook page for further information.

Mill Park

The following playgroups take place in Mill Park.

Little Kids Zone Music Playgroup
Facilitated Playgroup - musical
Contact: Rosie

Location:
Whittlesea City Salvation Army
Cnr Morang Drive and The Fred Hollows Way

Phone: 0467 065 720
Email: Rosemary.Massey@salvationarmy.org.au

Cost: $2.50 for one child, $5 per family
When: Wednesday 10am-11:30am

St Petka Playgroup
Community Playgroup
Contact: Maria

Location:
St Petka Macedonian Orthodox Church
281 Plenty Road

Phone: 0418 598 737
Cost: Gold coin and Playgroup Victoria membership
When: Friday 10am -12:00pm

South Morang

South Morang Community Playgroup
Play based activities that offers parents, carers, grandparents and their babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers a regular time each week to meet, share ideas, learn through play and have fun together.

Location: 
Whittlesea Early Parenting Centre
34 Anchorage Drive, South Morang VIC 3752
Ph: 0493 220 746

Contact: Sarah
Cost: Gold coin donation
When: Tuesdays 9:30am - 11:30am (during school term)

Thomastown

The following playgroups take place in Thomastown.

Atta Playgroup
Community Playgroup
Contact: Angela

Location:
Greek Orthodox Church Hall
45-49 Poplar Street

Phone: 0477 010 089
Email: thetransfigurationofourlord.au@gmail.com
Cost: $40 per term
When: Thursday 10am-12noon 

Early Learning Group
Supported Playgroup for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Contact: Catherine Stevenson

Location:
Carrington Children's Activity Centre
62 Carrington Blvd

Phone: 0408 544 856
Email: Catherine.stevenson@education.vic.gov.au
When: Fortnightly Friday 10am-12noon

ELF Supported Playgroup  
A supported playgroup for residents of the City of Whittlesea. Please call for intake/referral process.
Contact: Nicole Ducat

Location: 
General Purpose Room Lalor East Primary School
Cleveland Street

Phone: 0429 087 761
Email: nducat@berrystreet.org.au
Cost: Free (lunch provided)
When: Wednesday 9:30am-12:30pm (during school terms)
Visit the Berry Street website for further information. 

Jeeran Arabic Playgroup

Join Zara from Jeeran Community Services for weekly Arabic Playgroup, where games, stories and songs are shared in Arabic language. Mothers are given the opportunity to develop parenting skills and knowledge in Australia's Early Childhood Education Sector (Free 3 Year Old Kindergarten program).  

Presented by Jeeran Community Services in partnership with Thomastown Neighbourhood House.

Location:

Thomastown Neighbourhood House
TNH @ The Hub, TWPS, 112 Main St, Thomastown, 3074

Further info: Call Zara on 0433 545 888 or email: manager@tnh.org.au
Cost: Free
When: Mondays 10.30am-12.30pm
Dates: Running weekly during the school terms
Activities: Free Play and playgroup activities

Koorie Kids Playgroup  
Supported playgroup - for Aboriginal families and Torres Strait Islander families.
Contact: Olivia

Location:
Carrington Children's Activity Centre
62 Carrington Blvd

Phone: Olivia 0429 307 142
Email: OliviaS@VACCA.ORG
Cost: Free
When: Wednesday 12noon-2pm

PlayConnect 
Facilitated play based program for pre school children with ASD or ASD like behaviours. 
Contact: Cheryl Pane

Location:
Carrington Children's Activity Centre
62 Carrington Blvd

Phone: 0431 891 541
Email: cpane@playgroup.org.au
Cost: Free
When: School calendar- Every Thursday morning 10am - 12pm 

Promisetown Playgroup

Thursdays 10am - 12pm

Promisetown Playgroup provides a safe space for women and children to play, grow and learn.  Enjoy making new friends in this diverse group where multiculturalism is celebrated and many languages are spoken.  Families from across the City of Whittlesea travel to attend this unique playgroup where friendships are forged and our local community is strengthened.  Parents and Grandparents can access social services such as 'Services Australia', 'First Steps', 'Orange Door' and City of Whittlesea Early Years Team, who provide valuable support to local multicultural families to build parenting capacity, financial capacity and stronger families.

Location:

Thomastown Neighbourhood House
TNH @ The Hub, TWPS, 112 Main St, Thomastown, 3074

Phone: 0488 224 439
Email: manager@tnh.org.au
Cost: Free
Dates: Running weekly during school terms
Activities: Free play, song time and making new friends!
Website: www.tnh.org.au 

Whittlesea

The following playgroups take place in Whittlesea. 

Whittlesea Playgroup Inc.
Facilitated Playgroup
Contact: Naomi

Location:
76 Laurel Street
(right hand side building, opposite of 69 Laurel Street)

Phone: 0427 671 463
Email: whittleseaplaygroup@hotmail.com
Visit: facebook.com/WhittleseaPlaygroup
Cost: $30 per term
When: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9:30am -11:30am

Whittlesea Uniting Church Playgroup
Facilitated Playgroup
Contact: Jenice

Location:
Whittlesea Uniting Church
26 Forest Street

Phone: 0458 912 706
Email: jenice.e.stokes@gmail.com
Cost: $2 per family
When: Wednesday 10am-11:30am

Wollert

The following playgroups take place in Wollert.

Indian Playgroup
Playgroup for Indian families with babies, toddlers and young children aged 0-5 years, supported by an Indian speaking playgroup leader. 

Location:
Ganbu Gulinj Kindergarten
55 Macedon Parade

Phone: 03 9093 5188
Email: npg@vicsegnewfutures.org.au

Cost: Free
When: Thursdays 10am - 12pm 

Start your own community playgroup

If you are interested in starting another playgroup in your area, our community playgroup toolkit(PDF, 6MB) provides a helpful guide on how to set up a playgroup in the City of Whittlesea.   

Starting a playgroup doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. All you'll need is a few families, some basic toys or activities and a regular place and time to meet. 

There are grants which can assist with costs such as resources, activities and equipment, including items like toys, books, and arts and crafts materials. 

  • Playgroup Victoria’s Great Start Program provides funding to help new playgroups. New playgroups are encouraged to review their eligibility guidelines. 
  • The City of Whittlesea Community Grants Program provides funding support to local community groups, including playgroups, to help build stronger, more connected communities.  

Contact our team at playgroups@whittlesea.vic.gov.au to discuss your ideas and how we can help get you up and running.

Supported playgroups

Supported playgroups are free playgroups for families with children from birth to school age. They are run by trained staff from the Council and funded by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. 

The playgroups deliver a Smalltalk program that helps eligible parents build everyday skills and connect with their children in a positive way through play. Parents or guardians also learn simple ideas to support their child’s learning at home. 

Some parents or guardians are also eligible for in-home support which involves a facilitator visiting the family in their own home or in a local place, like a park or library. Families can participate in both in-home support and supported playgroup programs. 

Supported playgroup eligibility

To be enrolled in Supported Playgroups, families must meet at least one of the following eligibility criteria: 

  • families with a Commonwealth Health Care Card (or visa equivalent for refugees and migrants) 
  • families with a family member who has identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander 
  • families who are looking after children in kinship care (out of home care) 
  • families referred by Orange Door 
  • families referred from or receiving enhanced Maternal and Child Health Services.

Supported playgroup timetable

Supported playgroup is held at various times and locations across the City of Whittlesea.

Supported playgroup timetable

Donnybrook 

murnong Community Centre

181 Olivine Boulevard, Donnybrook

Mondays 10am – 12pm

 

Olivine Pavilion

2A Cycad Avenue Donnybrook

Tuesdays 10am – 12pm

 Epping

 

Epping Community Centre 

378 Findon Rd, Epping 

Wednesdays   10am – 12pm 

 

Galada Community Centre

10a Forum Way, Epping North

Thursdays 10am – 12pm

 

Lalor

 

Vasey Park Preschool - Community Room

15 Vasey Avenue, Lalor

Thursdays 10am – 12pm 

Mernda

 

YMCA ELC

2 Goulburn St, Mernda South

Thursdays 10am – 12pm

 

South Morang

 

Whittlesea Early Parenting Centre

34 Anchorage Drive, South Morang

Wednesdays 10am – 12.00pm

 

Reid Street Preschool

75 Reid St, South Morang

Fridays 10am – 12pm 

Thomastown

 

Thomastown Meadow Primary School 

13-21 Diplomat Dr, Thomastown 

Tuesdays    10am – 12pm

 Wollert

Ganbu Gulinj Community Centre

55 Macedon Pde, Wollert

Tuesdays and Fridays 10am – 12pm

 

Kirrip Community Centre

135 De Rossi Blvd, Wollert

Mondays 10am – 12pm 

 

Wirrigirri Kindergarten

120 Saltlake Blvd, Wollert

Wednesdays 10am – 12pm

Book a supported playgroup session

Supported playgroup sessions are available by booking only. 

Register your interest or refer a family to a program

After submitting your form, you will be added to the waitlist, and a member of the playgroup team will contact you to confirm availability.