Playgroups

Playgroups are regular sessions (typically 1.5 to 2 hours) for parents, carers, and their children aged 0–5 years. They provide a warm, inclusive space where families can connect, build friendships, and engage in meaningful play.

Across our Shire, families can choose from a variety of playgroups tailored to their needs and interests, including Community Playgroups and Supported Playgroups, each offering unique benefits and experiences.

How Playgroups benefit you and your child

Playgroups promote early learning, social development, and emotional wellbeing, helping children gain confidence and prepare for kindergarten and school.

Attending playgroup is a great way to build routine and connect with others in your community. Through play, children learn to share, take turns, follow routines, and develop early literacy and numeracy skills. Activities such as music, movement, sensory play, outdoor exploration, and creative projects nurture physical, emotional, and cognitive development, laying the foundation for lifelong learning.

Playgroups also provide valuable support for parents and carers, offering a space to share experiences, reduce isolation, and strengthen community connections.

Community Playgroups

Community Playgroups are welcoming, play-based groups for families with children aged 0–5 years. They may be parent-led or facilitated by a trained professional.

Many Community Playgroups are free, while others may request a small donation or ongoing fee. Please check with the provider for details.

What to expect:

  • A 1.5 to 2 hour session each week
  • Fun and engaging activities for young children
  • A friendly space to meet other families
  • Opportunities to share parenting experiences
  • Support for your child's social and learning development

Supported Playgroups

Supported Playgroups are free and open to all families with children aged 0–5 years. They are led by Aurora, our Supported Playgroup Facilitator; a council staff member trained in early childhood education and parenting support.

What to expect:

  • A 1.5 to 2 hour session each week (during school terms)
  • Play-based activities that support early learning and development
  • Morning tea for children and adults
  • A welcoming and inclusive environment
  • Opportunities to connect with local services and other families
  • Practical tips and support for parenting

Cost: Free

How to join:

In-home coaching

Eligible families can receive free in-home coaching, delivered by Aurora, the Mount Alexander Supported Playgroup Facilitator. This program offers extra parenting support and guidance for child development.

What’s involved:

  • Home visits or sessions in another comfortable local space
  • Hands-on ideas and practical guidance using Smalltalk strategies
  • Support to build confidence and improve parent-child interactions

Cost: Free

How to join:

     

Playgroup locations and details

Playgroup
Location
When (during school terms)
More information

Campbells Creek Supported Playgroup

Campbells Creek Primary School

Banyan Building

127 Main St

Campbells Creek

 

Thursday

9.30am – 11.00am


Contact Aurora on email:    a.ricci@mountalexander.vic.gov.au

 

 

Harcourt Supported Playgroup

Harcourt Preschool

cnr Mills and Binghams Roads, Harcourt

VIC 3453

Friday

9.30am - 11.30am

COMING SOON!

Contact Aurora on email:  a.ricci@mountalexander.vic.gov.au

 

Chewton Community  Playgroup

Chewton Primary School

1 Hunter Street, Chewton

Monday

9.15am – 11.00am

Chewton Primary School

Ph: 5472 2557

Elphinstone Community  Playgroup

Elphinstone Recreation Hall

Olivers Lane, Elphinstone

Tuesday

9.30am - 11.30am

Elphinstone Playgroup Facebook

Newstead Community  Playgroup

   

Newstead Playgroup Facebook 

Interested in joining?

email: a.ricci@mountalexander.vic.gov.au

Young at heart Playgroup - Maldon

   

Young at Heart Playgroup Maldon

Interested in joining?

email: 

a.ricci@mountalexander.vic.gov.au

‘Banksia Buds’

Intergenerational Playgroup

West End Hall

Woodman Street, Castlemaine

Friday

10.00am – 12.00pm

Banksia Buds - Intergenerational Playgroup

Becky - 0431 091 848

 

Castlemaine Salvos Playgroup

The Salvation Army, 47 Kennedy Street, Castlemaine 

Monday

10.00am – 11.30am

Vicki - 0418 138 435

 

Redesdale Mia Mia Community Playgroup 31 School Lane, Redesdale

Tuesday

9.15am – 11.00am

 redesdalemiamiaplaygroup@gmail.com

 

Nature Play at Buda

Buda Historical Home and Garden.

enter via Bull Street carpark

Wednesday

10.00am -  11.30am

Buda membership is $35 annually and includes entry to Playgroup.

Sal - 5471 0740

s.beattie@mountalexander.vic.gov.au

Reina batata

Spanish Language Playgroup

 

Fridays

9.30am - 10.30am

Reinbatata.castlemaine@gmail.com

0480 415 519

Langley Primary School - Wiggle and Giggle Pop Up Playgroup 7 Parsell Road, Langley

Tuesday mornings in May

9.30am  - 11.15am

call Erica on 0408 484 066 for more info
Steiner Playgroup

Castlemaine Steiner School and Kindergarten

11 Rilens Road, Muckleford

Tuesday and Wednesday mornings

9.30am - 11.30am

Best suited for children aged 18 months up to age 5.

If you would like to participate in Playgroup, or would like information on costs and what to expect, please email: playgroup@cssk.vic.edu.au.

Parents and babies drop in sessions

Castlemaine Steiner School and Kindergarten,

11 Rilens Road, Muckleford

Friday mornings in 2025

9.30am - 11.45am

The Parents and Babies group is a casual program for parents of very young children from birth - 2 years that offers a place to share their experiences of parenting, enjoy morning tea together and build community. All families welcome.

Entry is by donation.

For more information contact playgroup@cssk.vic.edu.au