-1.jpg)
Expansion and Diversification
As Playgroup Queensland reached the milestone of its 30th anniversary, 2003 was both a year of celebration and one that heralded the beginning of a decade of national expansion and increased diversification.
With improved government recognition and support for the needs of at-risk and disadvantaged families, quality services were expanded. This enabled an increase in permanent and early childhood education-trained staff members to support young families across Queensland, as well as the expansion of the innovative Sing&Grow program to every state and territory.
Programs of 2003-2013
The recognition of playgroups as an effective strategy for working with marginalised families was clearly evident at the inaugural Early Intervention through Playgroup Conference in 2007. Attracting 239 delegates and representing over 150 agencies, the conference provided training and networking opportunities for volunteers, industry associates and staff members. The breadth of programs on offer during the period is also indicative of the lead role played by Playgroup Queensland in the provision of services to families across Queensland, and, for the very first time, across the nation.
.jpg)
The National Expansion of Sing&Grow
In an exciting development in 2005, Sing&Grow was expanded nationally after the Australian Government made a $1.7 million dollar funding commitment over three years. In 2003, Director Vicky Abad took up an offer to work in Ireland for 12 months, and Vicky made contact with recently graduated music therapist, Kate Williams. Kate was employed in an acting role by Playgroup Queensland. Mentored and encouraged by CEO Mark Brooke, Kate undertook the task of applying for the significant Australian Government Invest to Grow funding. The successful submission saw Sing&Grow expand across every state and territory in Australia.
Sing&Grow - to Every State and Territory —
Interview with Kate Williams
Dr Kate Williams has a broad view of the organisation and an inspired vision for its future in the landscape of early childhood and family support across Australia. At the core of her expansive outlook is a passionate belief in the value of music therapy and the innovative Sing&Grow program.
"We made more strides than other services with the same funding, strides in testing out ways to evaluate the program by disregarding methods that weren’t appropriate for the client and piloting more robust methods ... We had evidence and we sold the innovativeness and uniqueness of the program ... it has sustained federal government funding, is the largest group family music therapy program internationally and has the biggest research base ... it just hit the right chord. I’m super proud of Sing&Grow.."
Playgroup Matters —
Interview with Michelle Poole
Michelle Poole first attended Peachester playgroup in 2004 when her eldest daughter was five months old. The young mum immediately recognised how valuable playgroup was to her, her child and the community. Shortly after, Michelle chose to volunteer to coordinate the group as the Contact Person. Michelle didn’t know that her decision would soon change her life.
"I was just hooked and loved the play experiences. By watching other children your child learns so much. I made lifelong friendships and the thing that brought us together was playgroup. I thought every mum or dad should know about this. Then I volunteered as a Contact Person and started running the group ... You really get to understand and learn and connect with your community. You learn so much about the people and the services, what you can get out of it and what you can give back too."