Many parents attend their local playgroup looking to give their children the chance to make new friends. Others join to teach their children essential lessons on how to share, cooperate and solve problems. For Rochelle Ethell, of the Batemans Bay playgroup, joining her local group provided the perfect opportunity to settle into a different state and use her talents to spread the word about the playgroup movement.
“I got involved with Playgroup NSW through my local Batemans Bay playgroup. My family and I moved from Melbourne last year and we didn’t know anyone in the Bay. Joining a playgroup was a great way for me to meet other locals, and for my son to meet children his age. Whether I’m in the market for a new doctor or dentist, someone in the playgroup always has some advice. I’ve developed some really strong friendships just from the 12 months of being here.”
It is through the Batemans Bay playgroup that Rochelle met Katrina McRae, the local volunteer Playgroup Coordinator, and became involved in preparations for this year’s National Playgroup Week celebration at Mogo Zoo.
“My husband and I have a marketing consultancy business, so we stepped forward and said to Katrina, ‘Look, we’re happy to help out, what can we do?’ When Playgroup NSW offered support for regional events during National Playgroup Week, the group saw a great opportunity.
“With Katrina, we approached Mogo Zoo. They were enthusiastic to come on board and have their zoo as the venue for this special day. Through support provided by Playgroup NSW, the Zoo was able to open on a day they were usually closed. We created lots of awareness in the community and the result was that over 900 young children, parents and carers had a wonderful, free fun day.
“We also organised an informational expo at the zoo. We worked with local associations, and a few other playgroups to show everyone what services were available in the area. Basically everything you could think of promotionally, we pulled together and made happen. It exceeded everybody’s expectations tremendously.”
Rochelle says breaking down informational barriers and creating awareness for her local playgroup was a key motivator for her volunteering.
“I’ve had firsthand experience of the benefits of joining the Batemans Bay playgroup, and I want to share that with other people. The only way we can keep our playgroup going is by having a good stream of families attending each week. I think that’s how my volunteering has made a difference – by creating more awareness about our playgroup and therefore attracting more families to participate.”