By BRIDGET SCOTT
A BRAND-new playgroup at the Balla Balla Community Centre will provide another alternative for young families in the area.
Manager of the centre Maree Cullinan said feedback from the community prompted the creation of a new playgroup which held its first session on 5 February this year.
“We always knew we would have one and we thought it was time,” she said.
“The playgroup was set up for the local community – we wanted to give them the first option.”
Ms Cullinan said they hoped to help build networks between local families and already have 25 children as part of the group.
She said given the Balla Balla centre already had a number of expressions of interest they planned to begin another one next term. She said her group also made the decision to join with the local toy library at the end of last year.
“Our intention is to support the toy library to build up their volunteer base and build member numbers,” she said.
While still a separate entity to the toy library, the Balla Balla Community Centre plans to throw its support behind the library and Ms Cullinan has urged families to get involved.
“We want to get them back on track and don’t want to lose valuable resources,” Ms Cullinan said.
“Once you get the momentum going, the community see the value.”
Michelle Webster will co-ordinate the new playgroup which will be centred on families and building friendships.
“That’s how a community works,” Ms Cullinan said.
