Sitting in the sunshine in the outdoor play area at the end of the final playgroup session for the term, after the toys have been packed away and cleanup is complete, Sarah Combe takes a moment to pause with her granddaughter, who attends “Grammy’s” playgroup.
Sarah and Poppy at Playgroup together.
What began as “taking the reins for a little while” has become 14 years of continuous dedication as a volunteer playgroup facilitator. Over that time, Sarah has evolved from a parent attending with her own children to now hosting three generations at playgroup - her daughter Frances, and two-and-a-half-year-old Poppy both now joining in too.
Playgroup mornings are filled with simple yet enriching experiences. On this particular day, the children’s curiosity was sparked by a magnifying glass, which led to investigating the veins of fallen leaves. Leaves were collected, then used creatively, pressed into playdough or glued onto paper.
Physical play followed, with roly-poly tunnels and hula hoops offering opportunities for jumping, balancing, and coordination. The session ended with well-loved nursery rhymes and dancing, gently easing the children toward saying goodbye.
This is play at its best - authentic, unstructured, and child-led. It’s tactile, physical, and engaging, allowing children to explore at their own pace and in their own way.
But playgroup isn't just for children. While play unfolds the adults in attendance, grandparents, mums, and dads, find connection, support, and community. They share experiences, stories, and challenges over morning tea with a cuppa.
For Sarah, this safe space for families is just as vital as the playtime itself.
“It’s more for the grown-ups, in fact, than the kids,” Sarah explains.
“The kids just tend to have a good time, but a lot of the time the grown-ups, whether they’re the mum, the dad, the grandparent, the nanny, a carer or some other relative, it’s a safe space for them to come and connect with other people.”
Over the years, Sarah has witnessed friendships that began at playgroup continue long after the children have left the group.
“We’ve had friendship groups that started here and are still going years later, which I think is really, really, lovely. It’s special to be part of creating those connections.”
Over the years, Sarah has become a passionate advocate for unstructured play and easing the pressure on parents.
“I have witnessed a shift in parenting over the years,” she says.
“There’s a lot of guilt being heaped on parents that they must have their child in structured, paid, activities, but that’s not always what kids need. Playgroup is often free or low cost and about exploration, about doing things their own way, at their own pace, within the group.”
“The best teachers for little kids are their friends, family, and parents. They’ll have years of structured learning ahead once they start school, it really comes in the blink of an eye.”
Sarah is a true community connector - whether volunteering at the opportunity shop adjacent to playgroup, coaching her daughters’ hockey teams (now in their late 20s and early 30s), caring for her mother, or looking after her granddaughter, she dedicates her time and energy to supporting her community and family.
Even with the numerous volunteering and family commitments, Sarah manages to carve out a little time for herself and how she finds her ‘Zen’ is a unique and handcrafted skill.
“I dance, I do a bit of travel, and I do woodworking,” she says.
“I go off to my workshop and pull-out bits of wood and sharp knives. I get a piece of wood, and I’m all good.”
Sarah was recently nominated by Play Matters for a 2025 Queensland Volunteering Award during National Volunteer Week. This nomination recognises the immense impact volunteers like Sarah have on individuals, communities, and the state.
Nicole Ashely (Project Officer - Volunteer Strategy), Penny Creamer (CEO), Sarah Combe (Jubliee Terrace Playgroup Facilitator) and Wenchi Hu (Community Development Officer) celebrating Sarah's Queensland Volunteering Awards nomination.
Reflecting on the support she’s received over the years, Sarah becomes emotional.
“I’ve always found Play Matters to be a great touchpoint and so supportive of this group. Across all the time I’ve been here facilitating playgroup, Play Matters has been approachable and encouraging, and that’s really, really important.”
“And creating this safe space for parents is just, you know, you can't measure that in statistics.”
Sarah facilitates the Jubilee Terrace Playgroup in Ashgrove who meet on Friday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30am during term time. To find up to date playgroup information near you, you can search here.