Rishworth announces First Nations Playgroup Pilot

The Australian Government has initiated a First Nations Playgroup Pilot, committing more than $2.1 million to provide accessible and affordable spaces, resources and opportunities for First Nations children to play together and for parents and carers to seek social and parenting support.

Federal Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth made the announcement yesterday, noting the enormous benefit playgroups bring to children, parents and communities right across the country. 

Since 2022 a total of $12.4 million has been invested under the Helping Families Learn and Grow with Playgroups initiative, resulting in the creation of more than 300 new playgroups.

Thirteen Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations across the country have been approved to share in the funding to date, which will increase the opportunities for First Nations children and families to attend a culturally safe service in their community.

First Nations playgroups help to support Target 4 of the Closing the Gap Implementation Plan which is to increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children assessed as developmentally on track in all five domains of the Australian Early Development Census to 55 per cent by 2031.

“Expanding our investment in playgroups with culturally informed and community-led First Nations playgroups continues our focus on improving the lives of all Australian children,” Minister Rishworth said.

“It is great to see local communities interact so closely with this initiative and Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations to be supported.”

The Government’s goal, she continued, is to build on its legacy of supporting playgroups across Australia to enhance early learning, development and wellbeing of First Nations children and support stronger family, community, and cultural connections.

The Government is working with SNAICC – National Voice for our Children to support the First Nations Playgroups Pilot program.

Catherine Liddle, CEO of SNAICC said by partnering with First Nations community‑controlled organisations, the Pilot program gives community leaders the ability to identify and innovate solutions that will help close the gap around early childhood development. 

“First Nations Playgroups are place-based, which means the activities of each group can truly respond to the needs and aspirations of their community and local families,” Ms Liddle said.

“Each group takes an integrated and intergenerational approach to early learning, with the ability to wrap a support network around a child and integrate with other services to ensure our children are ready to thrive in school environments.”

Learn more about the importance of play in Closing the Gap.