Playgroup NSW

11/10/2026

This National Carers Week, we acknowledge and celebrate the incredible contribution of carers across NSW. Every day, almost one million carers in NSW provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends living with disability, chronic illness, mental ill-health, addiction or age-related needs. Their compassion, resilience and dedication strengthen families, communities and the broader support system across the state.

Caring can be rewarding, but it can also be emotionally, physically and financially demanding. More than 1 in 9 NSW residents are carers, and the value of the unpaid care they provide is estimated at $25 billion annually.

At Playgroup NSW, we recognise the vital role carers play in helping children and families thrive. Through our MyTime groups, we provide a welcoming space where parents, grandparents and carers of children with disability, developmental delay or chronic medical conditions can connect with others who understand their journey, share experiences, access information and enjoy a sense of community while their children participate in play-based activities.

This National Carers Week, we thank all carers for the invaluable role they play. If you're a carer looking for connection, support and understanding, Playgroup NSW's MyTime program is here for you. Together, we can ensure carers feel recognised, supported and valued. 💙

27/09/2026

Join our Play2Thrive First Time Parents Group in Engadine for babies aged 0-6 months. Term 4 enrolments are now open. Link below to learn more and join.

https://www.playgroupnsw.org.au/playgroup/engadine-first-time-parents/

The first few months can be a big adjustment, but you don't have to do it alone.

Play2Thrive is a Supported Playgroup. Supported Playgroups are led by qualified early childhood educators, giving families the opportunity to meet other families in the community and connect with their children through play.

27/09/2026

PlayConnect+ School Holiday Schedule

Existing PlayConnect+ families, we'll see you then! If you would like to learn more about PlayConnect+ groups and enquire to join, see link below for locations list.

https://www.playgroupnsw.org.au/?s=playconnect%2B

We celebrate each child’s unique strengths while fostering family connections. All families are welcome, no diagnosis or NDIS required!

22/09/2026

Curious about how babies learn and develop through play?

Join a BabyLab Pop-up Playgroup, a free interactive session hosted by MARCS BabyLab at Western Sydney University. Families with children aged 0-5 years are invited to enjoy open-ended play, singing and sensory experiences while learning more about early language, learning and child development.

It's a great opportunity to meet other local families, ask questions and explore the power of play with experts in early childhood research.

📍 Westmead
🎟 Free to attend

Playgroup NSW and MARCS Babylab warmly welcome parents and carers with children aged 0-5 years to a pop-up ‘BabyLab Playgroup'

18/09/2026

SUPPORTED PLAYGROUP SPOTLIGHT 🤩 PlayConnect+ Wentworthville
"At PlayConnect+ Wentworthville, we plan our sessions around children’s individual development, interests, strengths and needs, creating meaningful play experiences where every child can feel comfortable, confident and included. We’re also here to support the whole family — creating a welcoming space where carers can connect, share, feel supported and build community alongside their children." - Afia, PGNSW Educator

Delivered by Playgroup NSW as part of the PlayConnect+ program, these inclusive playgroups support children aged 0-8 with developmental concerns or disability and their families. The national PlayConnect+ consortium is led by Autism Queensland, helping thousands of families across Australia access early support, build confidence and connect with their community.

Because when families feel connected, supported and empowered, children thrive.

What is PlayConnect+ from Autism Queensland -https://www.playgroupnsw.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/PlayConnect-Project-Overview-Flyer-as-at-20-August-2026.pdf

17/09/2026

17/09/2026

Join Playgroup NSW as a Community Development Officer

Hybrid and flexible working arrangements, 4 days per week!🌟

We're looking for a passionate community builder to support local playgroups, empower volunteers, and help families access the connections and support they need to thrive.

Apply today:

Part Time 4 Days per week Fixed Term till 30th June 2027 SCHADS Level 4: $92,000 FTE (based on 37.5 hours) plus 12% super plus 17.5 Annual Leave Loading Do you believe every family deserves a village? Are you energised by community connection, early childhood development, and empowering volunteers?

16/09/2026

Babies are wired to respond to a special kind of speech – the sing-song, expressive style often called infant-directed speech or “parentese.” Why does this matter so much?

In this practical and engaging talk with Dr Eylem Altuntas, you’ll discover:

- What infant-directed speech is and why babies love it
- How tone, rhythm, and exaggeration support brain development
- Simple ways to boost language during everyday routines
- You’ll leave with concrete tools you can use immediately to strengthen your child’s language, connection, and brain development.

RSVP LINK BELOW - The recording of this session will be distributed to those who RSVP, and will be available on our YouTube channel.

Get tickets on Humanitix - FREE Press Play Webinar: The Power of Talking with Your Baby (In the Way They Like it!) with Dr Eylem Altuntas hosted by Playgroup NSW . Online. Wednesday 21st October 2026. Find event information.

10/09/2026

A Conversation Can Change a Life. R U OK?

This R U OK? Day, we’re encouraging our community to take a moment to meaningfully connect with the people around them.

You don’t need to be an expert to reach out, just a good friend and a great listener.

Use these four steps to have a conversation that could change a life:
1. Ask R U OK?
2. Listen
3. Encourage action
4. Check in

Learn more about how to start a conversation that could change a life: https://www.ruok.org.au/

08/09/2026

COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP SPOTLIGHT **As featured in Harrington publication Telleverybody.**

🤩 HARRINGTON PLAYGROUP received a wonderful endorsement from one of its families. Elizabeth Skelly travels from Newcastle with her children to attend the playgroup and wanted to share her experience with other families who may not have discovered our community gem. She said:

“If you’re looking for an amazing playgroup, I honestly can’t recommend Harrington Playgroup enough.

We’ve travelled from Newcastle just so our little ones can enjoy everything it has to offer, and it is absolutely worth the drive.

From tiny babies through to children around six years old, there’s something for everyone. The activities, toys, outdoor play and other opportunities for social interaction are second to none. It’s one of the most welcoming and thoughtfully-run playgroups I’ve ever been to.

A huge shout-out to Diane, who goes above and beyond for every family. She has been incredibly kind and supportive to me and my children, and you can see how much love and effort she puts into making this playgroup so special.

I’d love to see more families discover this hidden gem. Let’s help spread the word and get the numbers up, because this place truly deserves to be recognised as one of the best playgroups in NSW.

If you’re within driving distance - or even if you think you’re not - it’s well worth the trip. Your little ones will thank you!”
— Elizabeth Skelly

📍 Harrington is based on the Mid North Coast of NSW.