Australia celebrates National Playgroup Week from Monday 18 March to Sunday 24 March this year and Gareth Ward MP has released a statement encouraging local residents and community organisations to show their support.

Mr Ward said local playgroups perform a crucial role for families in preparing children for success at school. Playgroups allow children to develop the skills and confidence to be engaged and happy at school.

“We know that statistically, one in three Australian children attend a playgroup before they start school,” he said. “Children of all backgrounds and abilities need the strong foundation for learning that our local playgroups provide.”

There are several active playgroups in the local area and beyond that cater to a wide range of needs and schedules. They are listed below: 

• Kiama Baby Playgroup – Monday mornings during school terms at Kiama Anglican Church, 2 Terralong Street, Kiama NSW 2533 – from 10am to 12pm.
• Bomaderry Playgroup – 10:00am – 12:00pm every second Thursday at Bomaderry Uniting Church, corner of Karowa and Bunberra Streets, Bomaderry NSW 2541 – No cost - Just please bring a piece of fruit to share.
• Junior Jivers – 0-5 years Playgroup – which is a church run playgroup, meeting from 10.00am – 12.00pm – each Thursday morning at All Saints Albion Park Anglican Church, 253 Tongarra Road, Albion Park NSW 2527.

• Berry Playgroup – 9:30am every Friday morning at Berry Community Church, 8 Schofield Lane, Berry NSW 2535.
• Cambewarra Playgroup – 10:30am every Wednesday at Cambewarra School of Arts Hall, Main Road, Cambewarra NSW 2540.
• North Nowra Playgroup – 10:00am every Thursday morning at North Nowra Community Centre, Hood Close, North Nowra 2541.
• Shoalhaven Heads Playgroup – 9:30am every Tuesday morning at Shoalhaven Heads Community Centre, Shoalhaven Heads Road, Shoalhaven Heads NSW 2535.
• Bomaderry/Nowra TAFE Playgroup – 9:30am – 11:30am every Wednesday morning and Friday morning during school term at Bomaderry/Nowra TAFE – $4 per child, $6 for 2 children. 60 Beinda Street, Bomaderry NSW 2541.

National Playgroup Week 2024 is a time to celebrate and promote these vital community groups, emphasising the positive impact they have on children, families and communities alike.