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Playgroups and toy libraries to be established thanks to Federal Government grant
Freya Lucas
Feb 12, 2024
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The Federal Government has pledged additional funding to build new toy libraries and to expand existing toy libraries in growth corridors and for children with Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or developmental delays.
An additional $150,000 will be provided to Toy Libraries Australia to establish around 10 new toy libraries in areas of growth or disadvantage and to support up to 50 toy libraries to purchase evidence-based resources and toys for families and children with additional support needs, including Autism and ADHD. Toy libraries operate in a similar way to book libraries, with a focus on early learning and development through play. They provide toy borrowing for families and are usually established within an existing early learning or community centre.The facilities greatly reduce the need for families having to purchase large ranges of expensive toys, and help to make age-appropriate play and learning resources available to young children who may not otherwise have access to their benefits.
“At the heart of this is Australia’s children. We want them to thrive, to love to learn, and to help parents and carers have time to connect with the community,” Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said.
Parents and caregivers may pay a subscription fee to utilise a toy library, which can often be exchanged for taking up a volunteering shift with the facility.
Playgroups also supported
The growth of playgroups has also been boosted over the past 18-months, particularly intergenerational playgroups.
New intergenerational playgroups have been established in locations nationally including:
- Ashmore, Queensland
- Wagga Wagga, NSW
- Darwin, Northern Territory
Playgroups are an important part of development for young children and provide a sense of community and support for parents, parent figures and caregivers.
“The thousands of playgroups and toy libraries across the country provide welcoming spaces for children and their families to learn to love learning and bond through play,” Minister Rishworth said.
“Through our Government’s Helping Families Learn and Grow with Playgroups initiative we’re targeting additional investments where young families live and that is why these new grants for Toy Libraries will be focussed on growth corridors.”
More information on playgroups and toy libraries is available at Playgroup Australia, Playgroup WA and Toy Libraries Australia websites.
You can find your closest toy library at www.toylibraries.org.au/find-a-toy-library.
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