Community
29 September, 2025
Play break ends with return of new program
The playgroup, launched by Northern Grampians Shire Council earlier this year, has been on hiatus for term three.
PLAYGROUP will resume in St Arnaud next month with a refreshed program led by a new facilitator with extensive early years’ experience.
The playgroup, launched by Northern Grampians Shire Council earlier this year, has been on hiatus for term three.
It will resume on October 6 at St Arnaud Early Learning Centre and run for the school term.
The playgroup has a new time slot, moving from a morning session to an afternoon session.
Mayor Karen Hyslop said she encouraged St Arnaud and district families to make the most of the shire’s playgroup program.
“Our playgroup leaders have revamped the St Arnaud program, which now caters for children up to school age instead of being aimed at babies and crawlers,” she said.
“Playgroups offer a wide range of benefits for parents as well as children, including opportunities for social connection between people in similar stages of life.
“They aim to remove barriers associated with leaving the house with young children by offering a supportive environment with an experienced facilitator on hand.”
Lisa Gillard, who spent 25 years working in early years roles in the Britain, Northern Territory and Victoria, has been appointed St Arnaud playgroup facilitator.
For three years, she supported existing playgroups in the Grampians and Wimmera, hosted pop-up sessions during Playgroup Library Week, worked with playgroups to host events during Children’s Week and supported the creation of new playgroups.
Read More: St Arnaud