Playgroups

• 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.

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

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

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

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.

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 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

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 

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.

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: aozora-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

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.

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-11:30am (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: Zoe - Early Years Practitioner

Location:
Jindi Family and Community Centre
48 Breadalbane Avenue

Phone: 0482 187 190
Email: JindiEarlyYears@bsl.org.au
Cost: Free to attend. *A simple once off registration is required to attend.
When: Tuesdays 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.

Location:
Mernda Villages Community Centre
70 Mernda Village Drive

Contact: Cathy
Phone:  0432 357 389 
Email: cathyde1993@hotmail.com

Services: Cost: $20 per term per family 
When: Mondays 9:30am - 11am followed by library story time

Visit the Mernda Community Playgroup facebook page for further information.

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 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)

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

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 

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

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 10am - 12pm

Kirrip Community Playgroup
Playgroup offers parents, carers, grandparents and their babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers a regular time each week to meet, socialise, share ideas, learn through and play and have fun together.
Contact: Eleishya

Location:
Kirrip Community Centre
135 De Rossi Boulevard

Phone:0407 514 432
Email: kirripcplay@gmail.com
Cost: $20 per family per term
When: Wednesdays 10am - 12pm

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