Founding Mons Playgroup and Creating Community

When Lori Freeman arrived on the Sunshine Coast in the early 1970s, relocating as transformative developments were underway with canal works and subdivisions springing up to meet the influx of families from Caloundra to Noosa. 

"We all arrived around about 1973 and none of us were locals. The locals had their kindergartens and their networks, but for us, there was nothing. We were young mums with little children, and no family around."

It was this sense of isolation, a desire to create a nurturing space for their children, and a need to find community for themselves that brought the women together for their first playgroup in Maroochydore. 

An impending loss of venue meant the playgroup needed to relocate and at this time, the Mons 
precinct was up for tender. 

Securing a permanent home for the playgroup was a challenge. The group lobbied the Maroochy Shire Council, competing with scouts, art groups, and others for what they went on to call Mons. 

"We were desperate, we knew we were going to lose our old space behind Ocean Street in Maroochydore, so we fought for Mons."

Their determination paid off, and Mons Playgroup became the first playgroup centre north of Brisbane, an achievement that paved the way for many playgroups for the decades that followed.

 

Lori even became an area representative, helping new playgroups start up across the region.
Lori, along with Carmel Glover, Kirsty Kennedy, Tricia Ryan, Mary Newton, Sue Hope, Marion Ryder, Monica Stinton, Bev Casey, Jill Falls, Dianne Berry and Lorelle Smith, set about building a community. 

"We needed a secure place for our children to play, and for us to connect. We didn’t have funds, so we got creative to raise money. We put on puppet shows at the Mooloolaba Prawn Festival, made and sold prawn recipe books, and even started a babysitting club. Everyone pitched in, our husbands built playgrounds, and Carmel, who was an art teacher, set up art classes for the kids."

The playgroup quickly became more than just a place for children, it was gathering place for 
connection and friendship for the families that were far from their support networks. We looked after each other. That’s what made it thrive, we were all new, all in it together, and we became lifelong friends.

Looking back, Lori sees the Mons Playgroup and Sunshine Coast Play Matters Hub as a gift, not just to her own family, but to generations that followed. 

"It was a really special place. Our children made friends for life. Some families have 
had three generations come through Mons. It’s a place where people connect when they’re lacking community, and that’s still its most important function."

Today, Lori still lives on the coast, watching the playgroup she helped found, continue to grow and evolve. 

"I hope it goes on for another fifty years. The heart of it is the same, a safe place for families, a place to belong."

In memory of the founding members of Mons Playgroup who are no longer with us, we are grateful that they paved the way to make the Sunshine Coast Hub what it is today.