Winning way to seriously play

CASEY Council has taken out one of the top prizes at Playgroup Victoria’s 2015 Playgroup Awards.
City of Casey’s Supported Playgroup and Parent Group Liaison officer Jodie Soutter was named the Supported Playgroup Coordinator of the Year at the awards ceremony, held on 12 November at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
And the council also had finalists in four other categories including the council’s Dads Matter program, which was a finalist in the Playgroup Agency of the Year category, while Selandra Playgroup was in the running for Community Playgroup of the Year (1-4 sessions) (Metro).
Janine Richardson, from Balee Koolin Bubup Bush Playgroup at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, was a finalist for Supported Playgroup Facilitator of the Year and Maryanne Schreiber from Eastside Friends Playgroup in Cranbourne East was in the running for Community Playgroup Leader of the Year.
“Playgroups play an important role in our community by providing important social experiences for children to assist with their development, connecting families with others in their area and helping to reduce social isolation,” Casey Mayor Sam Aziz said.
“Casey is home to many great playgroups and has wonderful council officers, community members and volunteers who establish, support and co-ordinate them to ensure their success so it was great to receive recognition for this work at this year’s awards.”
For more information on playgroups in Casey, including nearby playgroups and how to start a new one, phone the City of Casey Playgroup Development Officer on 9705 5200 or visit www.casey.vic.gov.au.