Playgroup enters the record books

A Melbourne community playgroup has set a national record for Australia’s tallest playgroup, after venturing to the top floor of Southbank’s Eureka Skydeck.

The tall feat marked the start of National Playgroup Week on March 21, which celebrated the role playgroups provide in bringing together families to learn, play and support each other.

More than 40,00 children and 30,000 families participate in playgroups across Victoria, with more than 3500 playgroups running across the state each week.

With residential living in Southbank at an all-time high, and expected to rise further, providing more playgroups is seen as a vital initiative for local families.

In addition to the launch of National Playgroup Week, the Minister for Families and Children, Jenny Mikakos, also announced a $50,000 boost to the State Government’s Great Start Community Playgroup Fund.

The funding will provide parents wanting to create their own playgroup with grants of up to $1000 for resources such as books, toys, and play equipment.

Ms Mikakos said the Government was making Victoria the “Education State”, and that started with supporting parents.

“We want every Victorian family to have the access to a quality playgroup close to home,” she said.

“They are a great way for parents and children to make friends and establish networks in their local communities.”