PLAYFEST brings Playgroup and children’s week celebrations to Casey 

ACT Playgroups and Playgroup Australia are excited to announce PLAYFEST, taking place on 24th October 2025 at Casey Recreation Community Park. The event will celebrate Children’s Week and all things playgroup, while also marking the official launch of The National Playgroup Alliance, a new chapter for the playgroup  movement across Australia. 

The event will feature Chloe Lim from Giggly Wiggly, story time by the Children’s Book Council of Australia and a visit from Constable Kenny Koala. Attendees can expect a morning of playgroup fun and information on services available to support families in the  ACT region. 

The National Playgroup Alliance, led by Playgroup Australia, will bring together playgroup organisations, service providers, and researchers nationwide. It will strengthen collaboration across the early years sector and create new opportunities for connection, research, and advocacy. The event is being held at Casey Recreation Community Park, from 12:00pm and is free.

“We know that playgroups change lives. They boost early childhood development, reduce  social isolation, and improve parent wellbeing,” said Patricia O’Donovan, CEO of Playgroup  Australia. “The National Playgroup Alliance unites the organisations already delivering these  outcomes on the ground. We’re stronger when we work together.” 

Children will be able to explore the park’s open spaces, take part in interactive sessions and engage with local educators and family services. For parents and caregivers, PLAYFEST will also offer the opportunity to connect with other families, learn about programs that support wellbeing and development, and find ways to become more involved in the early years community.

The National Playgroup Alliance represents a significant step forward for the playgroup movement in Australia. By formalising collaboration between existing playgroup providers, the Alliance continues to:

• Strengthen national advocacy for funding and policy support
• Foster new partnerships across the early years sector
• Support research into the developmental and social benefits of playgroups
• Build capacity within the sector to better support diverse families

With rising awareness of the importance of the first five years of life, playgroups are increasingly recognised as essential community infrastructure. They offer low-cost, inclusive opportunities for children to socialise and learn through play, and for parents to build confidence and community connections.

The PLAYFEST launch reflects this growing recognition, positioning playgroups as a powerful force for equity and inclusion in early childhood.