Pictured L to R: Dan Marais, Executive Manager Brand and Strategy, Jacynta Waldron Volunteer Facilitator Karalee Butterflies, Nicole Ashley, Volunteer Coordinator, Penny Creamer, Chief Executive Officers, Anni Harris, Community Development Officers, Susie Fifoot Volunteer Faciltiator Windsor Grange Playgroup, Laura Rodrigez-Sellars, Community Development Officer and Terri Stigwood Volunteer Facilitator Community Playgroups Sunshine Coast at the 2026 Queensland Volunteering Awards.
Every week across Queensland, in over 400 postcodes playgroups meet across a vast geographic area, from the Torres Strait to the Northern Territory border, to the South Australian corner, and across to Coolangatta, serving hundreds of communities in between.
At the heart of play are our team of just over 300 volunteers who put their hand up when they see a need and make play in their communities possible.
These volunteers in our supported and community playgroups give their time, energy and care each week to create spaces where families feel welcome, supported and connected.
The Value of Volunteers
Across Queensland, millions of people contribute their time each year, delivering enormous social and economic value and strengthening community wellbeing.
Research shows volunteering builds social connections, reduces isolation, and improves wellbeing not only for those receiving support, but also for the volunteers themselves.
Playgroups are a powerful example of this in action. They support children’s development and provide vital social connections for families, particularly those who may be feeling isolated or new to a community.
Many playgroups rely on the support of volunteers, and sometimes volunteer committees to continue this vital source of connection and play for families.
A Volunteer-led Model, Strengthened Through Strategy
Play Matters Australia has a long history of volunteer-led community connection and like the broader early education sector, it continues to evolve.
In a recent interview with Volunteering Queensland, Nicole Ashley, Volunteer Coordinator outlined the comprehensive review of engagement and support of volunteers who work alongside Play Matters Australia.
This process included gathering feedback and insights from across the organisation to strengthen recruitment, onboarding, recognition, training and support and directly aligns with building skilled and committed people as part of the organisation’s strategic goals.
“We have a broad range of playgroups across Queensland and want to ensure they have strong foundations for volunteer involvement and are led by volunteer voices,” Nicole said.
As the volunteering space faces participation decline and other societal pressures increase, the importance of creating meaningful, supported and rewarding experiences for volunteers is critical to continuing success.
Recognising Excellence in Volunteering: 2026 Queensland Volunteering Awards
This commitment was proudly reflected recently at the 2026 Queensland Volunteering Awards, where four nominated volunteers were recognised among Queensland’s best.
Volunteer Coordinator Nicole Ashley was awarded Excellence in Volunteer Management, by Nikki Boyd MP, Shadow Minister for Local Government and Water and Shadow Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery, Emergency Services and Volunteers. This award celebrated her leadership in transforming how Play Matters Australia supports and engages its volunteer network.
Pictured Above: Nikki Boyd MP presenting Nicole Ashley with her Excellence in Volunteer Management Award at the 2026 Queensland Volunteering Awards.
Alongside her, Play Matters Community Development Officers Laura Rodrigez Sellars (Moreton Bay and Brisbane North), Annika Harris (Ipswich and South-West Queensland) and Deidre McCosker (Far North Queensland and Cairns) nominated volunteers in their respective regions who are truly community leaders and provide invaluable guidance, leadership and support at their local playgroups.
Meet our Nominated Volunteers
Pictured Above: Mike and Terri Stigwood
Terri Stigwood
At the Play Matters Sunshine Coast Hub, Terri brings joy, energy and a deeply personal approach to community building.
She welcomes every family as if they’ve always belonged, remembering names, making introductions, and reaching out to those who may feel isolated. Her efforts extend beyond the playgroup, encouraging families across the wider community to discover the benefits of play.
From refurbishing play spaces, to learning sign language to support inclusion, Terri’s contributions are practical, connected and meaningful. Her presence at playgroup helps create a space described by families as a true “community lifeline.”
Terri began her playgroup journey with her grandchildren, and despite the children having aged out of playgroup, Terri and her husband Mike still volunteer.
“It’s very humbling to be nominated, especially seeing the people who were awarded today, it makes me feel very special and very appreciated. It’s wonderful to be part of such an amazing place.”
“I volunteer because seeing the children develop is so lovely, seeing them explore, their minds expand and their confidence. Playing with the mud and you know, the volunteer gains so much from being there - I gain so much from being there.”
You can read more about Terri and her volunteering journey here.
Pictured Above: Jacynta Waldron at the Queensland Volunteering Awards held at City Hall in Brisbane.
Jacynta Waldron
At Karalee Butterflies in Ipswich, Jacynta’s impact is felt in the everyday moments that keep a playgroup running safely and smoothly.
She steps in where needed, maintaining the space, organising systems, coordinating volunteers, and supporting families through challenges. Whether it’s repairing equipment, or connecting parents to local services, her behind-the-scenes work ensures the playgroup is reliable, welcoming and sustainable.
Her care extends even further, offering quiet support to families experiencing vulnerability, and creating a space where people feel safe, supported and seen.
Jessica Steger
In Cairns at the Edge Hill Playgroup, Jessica has transformed her playgroup into a place where families feel truly at home.
Through her calm leadership and inclusive approach, she has built a collaborative volunteer team and created a culturally rich, welcoming environment. She actively connects families, not just within the playgroup, but with the wider community helping reduce isolation and strengthen support networks. Cairns is a transient community and the playgroup provides a welcoming place of support and safety.
Her approach is simple but powerful: shared leadership, kindness, and a belief that everyone has something to contribute.
Pictured Above: Susie with her daughters.
Susie Fifoot
At Windsor Playgroup, Susie has been instrumental in transforming a group that was at risk of closing into a stable, welcoming and thriving community, never giving up on something that was at times very challenging to sustain.
Bringing a rare balance of warmth and clear-thinking leadership, Susie creates an environment where families feel immediately at ease while strengthening the foundations behind the scenes. Through improved financial systems, governance, and successful fundraising and grant applications, she has helped secure the playgroup’s long-term future.
Susie is a wonderful leader, mentoring volunteers, encouraging families to take part, and fostering a shared sense of ownership that makes participation feel natural and inclusive. Her practical, solutions-focused mindset ensures challenges are addressed early and thoughtfully.
Her impact is deeply felt by families and she has cultivated a calm, inclusive and accepting space of connection, support and understanding.
At the Volunteering awards Susie became quite emotional when recalling her volunteering journey of the past three years and the many hours it took to get the playgroup to a sustainable level.
“There was a core group of families, and they are the reason I did it, and for my family. I’m so glad we are still there and desperately hoping this year with Laura’s hope we get through the transition as I step away from the role, it will be the richest success. It will make all the hours and effort worth it to see it continue. Playgroup was a gift for me, and I want it to be a gift for our community in the future.”
“And being here today, it’s nice to think that someone else thinks that what you are trying to do matters.”
Making Play Possible
Across more than 400 postcodes, Play Matters volunteers welcome new families, create safe, inclusive and engaging play opportunities, assist in fostering friendship and peer support, connect families to other services and opportunities and build communities where families can thrive.
Thank you to our network of community playgroup volunteers who make play possible!
You can read more about the 2026 Queensland Volunteering Awards and Play Matters Australia commitment to volunteers here:
We have a variety of volunteer opportunities currently available; you can view them here Volunteer Opportunities | Play Matters