Welcome to PALS - Cairns

Play and Learn Supported Playgroups are all about trying new things and meeting new people! Each playgroup brings together children and families with and without disability to play together, learn from each other and build inclusive communities. Together with the support of a PALS Program Facilitator, families get to know each other and re-imagine the way they play.

Contact

Contact person: Kristie Girdler

Phone: 0459 640 028

Email: kgirdler@playmatters.org.au

Next Session

9:15 am AEST
Friday
24 April

RSVP

Where

Brinsmead Community Centre
85 Loridan Drive
Brinsmead, QLD 4870

 Map view 

Types of play
experiences

Playgroup 
Additional Support 

Targeted support for children who present with a range of developmental delays and disabilities, including children who are suspected of having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Group Target

Babies Toddlers Pre-prep

Upcoming Sessions

Date Day Time Cost  
24/04/2026 Friday 9:15 am - 11:00 am
1/05/2026 Friday 9:15 am - 11:00 am
8/05/2026 Friday 9:15 am - 11:00 am
15/05/2026 Friday 9:15 am - 11:00 am
22/05/2026 Friday 9:15 am - 11:00 am
29/05/2026 Friday 9:15 am - 11:00 am
5/06/2026 Friday 9:15 am - 11:00 am
12/06/2026 Friday 9:15 am - 11:00 am
19/06/2026 Friday 9:15 am - 11:00 am
26/06/2026 Friday 9:15 am - 11:00 am

Types of experience

Play Experience
A regular meeting of parents and carers with their children aged birth to 5, aimed at fostering the bonds essential for child development, parental confidence, community cohesion, and a smooth transition to school. There are volunteer-led, organisation-based, specialist, and facilitated playgroups supported by Play Matters.
Play Stars
Facilitated playgroup sessions with an explicit focus on babies aged from birth to 12 months old, proudly supported by the Queensland Government.
Additional Support
Targeted support for children who present with a range of developmental delays and disabilities, including children who are suspected of having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Events
A limited time offering delivered outside of normal activities or programs. This includes pop-ups, showcases and community events.
School-readiness
Programs that build children’s social and emotional skills as they transition to formal schooling.
Professional Development
A formal learning opportunity for professionals in the early childhood, education, and allied health sectors.
Parenting Support
Programs with a more targeted focus on parent/carer support including, but not limited to, peer support and capacity building.
Sing&Grow
Evidence-based music therapy intervention for children and families, delivered by Registered Music Therapists.
Intergenerational
Groups where the young and the young at heart come together to build relationships through play. These sessions take place in an aged care facility, or in a community setting, such as a grandparent's playgroup.
Discover the Play Hub and download some amazing resources
Learn more