Strathbogie Shire Council's Supported Playgroups have returned, enabling eligible families
to attend the free playgroups with a paid facilitator.
Held in townships across the Strathbogie Shire, the groups are funded through the
Department of Families, Fairness & Housing.
Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Chris Raeburn said the sessions included the Smalltalk
Program.
"The Smalltalk program offers parents strategies to support children's home-learning through
play," he said.
"It's a 10-week program, but eligible families can come for as long as they want."
Strathbogie Shire Council Supported Playgroups Facilitator Michelle Leech said while the
program was available to eligible families, part of her role included assisting some families to
transition into community-run playgroups throughout the Strathbogie Shire.
"There are some fantastic community-run playgroups across the Shire in Euroa, Longwood,
Nagambie, and Violet Town," she said.
"These are a fantastic alternative for families who are not eligible to attend the supported
playgroups."
Cr Raeburn said it was an important time for families to connect through social settings such
as playgroups.
"With COVID-19 restrictions continuing to ease, and lots of new families moving into our
Shire in recent months, people are keen to join groups and meet people again," he said.
