Volunteer to Visionary

Michelle Poole’s connection to playgroup began when her eldest daughter Emily was just five months old in 2004. Living on the Sunshine Coast with two young children born just seventeen months apart, and a husband working away, Michelle found herself navigating the early years of parenting largely on her own. 

Encouraged by child health services, she joined a local mums’ group and soon discovered her local playgroup in Peachester, a place that would sow the seeds of her lifelong commitment to community.

"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. I then put my hand up to volunteer 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."

Her passion for volunteering quickly grew and Michelle became known for her energy, event 
coordination, and ability to connect people and services. 

"Volunteering with playgroup opened up the door to what I could be capable of 
achieving."
 
Volunteering gave her not only friendships and an extremely diverse array of skills, but a sense of purpose and identity.

Michelle’s transition to the Mons Playgroup began when her youngest daughter Jessie started prep. Initially working just three hours a week in a casual role supporting the Community Development Officer at the time, she managed venue bookings and supported families. But her vision for the space was clear from the beginning.

"I thought this is a unique space with great potential. I could feel the energy here and knew it could be something special. I was volunteering doing a multitude of different roles and jobs, and when a job came up, I jumped at the chance."

During her 21 years connected to playgroup, with 15 years of them at Mons, Michelle has 
watched the dynamic of families and attendees at playgroup change.

"When I first started working here, most of the children attending were preschool-aged, we rarely saw babies. Now, there’s been a noticeable shift: we’re seeing more first-time parents, as well as dads and grandparents. Many of the older children are now enrolled in kindy programs."

"At the same time, parents are returning to work earlier than they used to - reflecting broader cultural and social changes."

Despite these shifts, one thing has remained constant: the value families get from playgroup. It’s a place where friendships are formed and social connections grow, for both children and 
their families.

Over time, Michelle’s role expanded and she remained responsive to community needs. The Hub 
launched baby playgroups, developed inclusive programs, and has adapted - from FIFO families, 
cancer support groups and multicultural playgroups. 

Her work helped shape the space into a thriving Hub for early childhood connection.

Now in 2025, Michelle and her team work to support families every week across eight different playgroup sessions, Michelle gains great satisfaction from the success of the Hub and the important role it plays in connecting families on the Sunshine Coast.

"This work is super important in the whole realm of mental health and wellbeing. It is truly what has driven me, I get so much satisfaction."

Now as Regional Manager, Michelle continues to lead with purpose, connection and vision. She’s 
proud of the generational impact Mons has had, and the way it remains a safe, welcoming space for families. 

"It’s a stable, familiar place that’s easily accessible to families in those crucial early years. The Hub is valued not just for what it offers, but for the sense of connection and support it brings to those who need it most."

Michelle’s journey is also now a family affair. Her daughters grew up alongside her in the playgroup world, helping with events, dressing up for Christmas parties, and now, her daughter Jessie works at the Hub, bringing fresh energy and creativity to the team.

"I followed my kids’ lead, and it brought me to playgroup. It has been an incredible journey. My whole family has been part of it, because playgroup really is about family."

Michelle has plans and visions for the future of the Hub, with a Cultural Bushland Project currently underway with Traditional Owners, exploring further connections with allied health services, but 
always with the families at the heart and centre of everything Play Matters Sunshine Coast does.