Playgroups

About Playgroups

Playgroup is a group of parents or caregivers with their babies, toddlers and preschool children who get together regularly for play and social interaction.

Playgroups meet in a range of community venues, offering a supportive space where guardians and caregivers stay with their children, allowing them to connect with other families and build a sense of community.

Benefits of Playgroup

Playgroups bring together young children, parents, families, and communities to learn and grow through informal play activities and social interaction. They help parents and caregivers build social and support networks, encouraging and assisting them in their valuable parenting roles.

Playgroups are here to help families have fun, relax, and build lasting friendships. They thrive when they are inclusive, creating an open, welcoming, and friendly environment for all children and their families, regardless of circumstances, backgrounds, or cultural identity.

Benefits for families

  • Forming friendships
  • Reducing isolation
  • Learning valuable parenting skills
  • Feeling integrated into the community
  • Sharing challenges and experiences
  • Gaining reassurance about child behaviour and development
  • Discovering community resources and support.

Benefit for children

  • Playgroup is fun
  • Forming friendships
  • Learning to play and socialise with peers
  • Promoting early childhood learning and development
  • Exploring new environments and resources.

Supported Playgroup

Supported Playgroups – Smalltalk 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 Smalltalk program helps eligible parents build everyday skills and connect with their children in positive ways through play. Parents/Guardians also learn simple ideas to support their child’s learning at home.

It’s a great way to meet other local families and find out about local activities and programs for young children.

Supported Playgroup Eligibility

Some parents/guardians are also eligible for In-Home Support which involves a trained facilitator visiting the family in their own home or in a local place, like a park or library. Families participating in In-Home Support may also attend a Smalltalk supported playgroup.

To be enrolled in Supported Playgroups - Smalltalk, 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

Find your local Supported Playgroup

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

Supported Playgroup Timetable

Donnybrook 

Olivine Pavilion

2A Cycad Avenue Donnybrook

Tuesdays 10am - 12pm

Doreen
 

Brookwood Community Centre

25 Hazel Glen Drive, Doreen

Mondays 10am - 12pm

 Epping
 

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 Vic 

2 Goulburn St, Mernda South

Thursdays 10am - 12pm
 

Mill Park

Findon Primary School

5 Cuthbert Drive, Mill Park 

Wednesdays 10am-12pm
 

South Morang
 

Whittlesea Early Parenting Centre

34 Anchorage Drive, South Morang

Wednesdays 10am – 12.00pm

 

Reid Street - South Morang

75 Reid St, South Morang

Fridays 10am - 12pm

 Thomastown
 

Thomastown Primary School

Little Red School House

Spring Street, Thomastown

Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10.00am – 12.00pm

 Wollert
 

Kirrip Community Centre

De Rossi Blvd, Wollert

Mondays 10am-12pm 

 

Ganbu Gulinj Community Centre

55 Macedon Pde, Wollert

Tuesdays and Fridays 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.

Community Playgroup

A Community Playgroup is a fun place where young children and their families can play, learn, and make friends. Community playgroup helps children grow and develop through play, and it gives parents and carers a chance to meet others in their local area.

Community Playgroups are typically run by parents, carers or volunteers with the support of families attending. They usually meet once a week during school term for up to 2 hours, at various locations and venues in the community.

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, you can contact the Playgroup Leader to find out more.

To find a community playgroup near you, visit find a playgroup webpage or email playgroups@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Want to start your own community playgroup?

Download our Community Playgroup toolkit.(PDF, 5MB)

Find a Playgroup

There are both community and supported playgroups in the City of Whittlesea. Supported playgroups have a facilitator employed through the City of Whittlesea who looks after the day-to-day running of the playgroup, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience for all participants.

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

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
Contact: Rachel
Location:
Bundoora Presbyterian Church
3/19 Enterprise Drive

Phone: 0409 597 284
Cost: Free to attend, *A simple once off registration is required to attend.
When: 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.

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.

Boori ELF Supported Playgroup
A supported playgroup for residents of Epping, Lalor and Thomastown. Please call for intake/referral process
Contact: Nicole Ducat

Location:
Boori Maternal Child and Health Centre
21 Winchester Avenue

Phone: 0429 087 761
Email: nducat@berrystreet.org.au
Cost: Free
When: Fridays 9:30am - 11:30am (during school terms)

Visit the Berry Street 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 (lunch provided)
When: Thursday 9:30am-12:30pm (during school term)

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 9:30am - 11am (during school terms)

Shining Stars Playgroup
Playgroup in Epping.
Contact: Caitlin

Location:
Epping Community Activity Centre
378 Findon Road

Email: shiningstarspg@outlook.com
Visit: Shining Stars Playgroup Facebook page

Cost: $50 per term for one child or $75 per term for two or more children
When: Wednesdays 9:30am - 11:30am

Epping North

The following playgroups take place in Epping North. 

My Time - 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: 041 365 5659
Email: louisas@mytimevic.com.au

Cost: Free
When: Wednesdays fortnightly 9:30am - 12.00pm

Stay and Play Playgroup
Community playgroup. Age Criteria: 0-5 years
Contact: Rania Kanaan

Location:
Galada Community Centre
MCH program room
10A Forum Way

Contact name: Ayten
Email: Ayten.Dermirovski@gmail.com  
Visit: facebook.com/groups/1092457517616227
Cost: Free. Gold coin donation welcome. No bookings required, but spaces are limited.
When: Wednesdays 10:30am - 12pm (after library story time, during school term) 

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.
Contact: Junko

Location:
Vasey Park Preschool - Community Room
15 Vasey Ave

Phone: 0431 391 499
Email: aozora-jp@hotmail.com
Cost: $3 per session or $20 per term
When: Friday 10am-12 noon

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.

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 and gross motor skills.

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 10:00am-11:00am (during school term)
Visit the Jindi Family and Community Centre website for further information.

Jindi Junior
A music group for parents and their children aged 0-5 to learn and grow together through songs, rhymes, movement and musical instruments.

Contact: Zoe - Early Years Practitioner
Phone: 0482 162 398

Location:
Jindi Family and Community Centre
48 Breadalbane Avenue

Email: JindiEarlyYears@bsl.org.au
Visit the Jindi Family and Community Centre website for further information.

Little Learners Jindi – Thursdays
A Playgroup for 3.5 -5 year old kindergarten children to support a range of developmental skills such as social and emotional in preparation for school readiness.

Contact Name: Zoe - Early Years Practitioner

Location:
Jindi Family and Community Centre
48 Breadalbane Avenue

Phone: 0482 187 190 
Email: JindiEarlyYears@bsl.org.au
Cost: Free
When: 1pm-2pm (During school term)
Visit the Jindi Family and Community Centre website for further information.

Play and Grow Playgroup
We run two weekly supported playgroup sessions during school terms, they provide children, parents and carers the opportunities to learn and grow together through play based activities. Supported playgroups are facilitated by a qualified Early Years Practitioner and are free to attend.

Contact: Jacqui -Early Years Practitioner

Location:
Jindi Family and Community Centre
48 Breadalbane Avenue

Phone: 0482 162 044
Email: JindiEarlyYears@bsl.org.au
Cost: Free to attend. *A simple once off registration is required to attend.
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00am -11:30am (during school term)
Visit the Jindi Family and Community Centre website for further information.

Mernda Community Playgroup
A fun community lead playgroup for parents, carers and/ or grandparents to enjoy with their children aged from babies to before school age.

Contact: Lisa 

Location:
Mernda Villages Community Centre
70 Mernda Village Drive

Phone:  0468 772 751 
Email: Lisa.stewart1989@hotmail.com

Services: Cost: $20 per term per family 
When: Mondays 9am-11am followed by library story time

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: Janette

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

Phone: 0438 401 538
Email: Janette.philp@salvationarmy.org.au

Cost: $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!

Contact: Nirosha

Location: 
Whittlesea Early Parenting Centre
34 Anchorage Drive, South Morang VIC 3752
Ph: 0452 549 733
Email: niroshawijesundara11@gmail.com


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

Bond and Bloom Playgroup
A supportive group offering a warm environment for children with Austism and special needs

Location:
Carrington Children's Activity Centre
62 Carrington Blvd

Phone:0403 787 934
Email: info@amazingparents.org.au
When: Every Sunday during school term 10am - 12pm

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
Playgroup for Arabic speaking families with children aged 0-5 years old.
Contact: Zara

Location:
Thomastown Library
52 Main Street

Email: z.alhasany@gmail.com
Cost: Free
When: Mondays 10am-12 noon

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
Interactive play and song time for 0- 4 year olds. Free play, children's songs and make new friends! On warm and dry days we meet outside in the library courtyard. On cold or wet days we meet inside in the children's area. Promisetown Playgroup is brought to you by Thomastown Neighbourhood House.

Location:
Thomastown Library
52 Main Street

Phone: 0488 224 439
Email: manager@tnh.org.au
Cost: Free
When: Thursdays 10am - 12:00pm, running weekly during the school terms
Visit the Thomastown Neighbourhood House website for more information. 

Thomastown Community Bush Playgroup
A free community bush playgroup held by Edgar’s creek in Thomastown, for kids to explore and play in nature. All ages welcome.
Contact: Lea

Location: 
Edgers Creek in Thomastown reserve 
21 Thomas Street

Email: lea_thornton@hotmail.com
Visit: Facebook
Cost: Free
When: First Sunday of the month 10am-12pm

Whittlesea

The following playgroups take place in Whittlesea. 

Whittlesea Playgroup Inc.
Facilitated Playgroup
Contact: Laura

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

Phone: 0466 889 455
Email: whittleseaplaygroup@hotmail.com
Visit: facebook.com/WhittleseaPlaygroup
Cost: $30 per term
When: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9:30am -11:30am

Koori Kids Playgroup
Whittlesea Portable Kindergarten
Contact: Olivia

Location:
76 Laurel Street Whittlesea

Phone: 042 930 7142
Email: OliviaS@VACCA.ORG
When: Fridays 12-2pm

Whittlesea Uniting Church Playgroup
Faciliated 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. 
Contact: Jeanette Hourani

Location:
Ganbu Gulinj Kindergarten
55 Macedon Parade

Phone: 0407 514 432
Email: jhourani@vicsegnewfutures.org.au
Cost: Free
When: Thursdays 9:30am - 11:30am

Kirrip Community Playgroup
Community playgroup  
Contact: Zina, Tarandeep
Phone: 0401 869 193, 0469 108 637

Location:
Kirrip Community Centre
135 De Rossi Blvd

Cost: $20 per family per term
When: Wednesdays 10am - 11:30am

Contact our Playgroup team

Our Playgroup team can provide more information on the following:

  • joining a playgroup
  • help to start a new playgroup
  • advice or support in planning and operating your playgroup
  • training sessions on play, behaviour guidance and first aid
  • the Whittlesea Playgroup Facilitators Network. 

If you require further information, contact our Playgroup team on 03 9217 2170 or email playgroups@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Do you speak a language other than English?

Would you like support in your home language to apply for Kindergarten or other Early Years Services, such as Playgroups?

Our Multicultural Outreach Team can help, email us in English or home language at fet@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

More information

Phone: 03 9217 2170

Email: playgroups@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Community Playgroup Leader Training

Are you currently a community playgroup volunteer, have a passion to become one, or would like to find out more about what is involved? Then come along to our community playgroup leadership training to learn more.

Find out more about the training session

 

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