Humble Beginnings
The Playgroup Association of Queensland, a not-for-profit non-religious organisation, was established by a group of 25 mothers living in the suburb of Mount Gravatt in Brisbane on 3 December, 1973. Meeting at Ann Street Presbyterian Church, Brisbane, their vision was inspired by a desire to support each other in their parenting journeys and to connect
children, families and communities through play.
28 August 1974 - The First Annual
General Meeting
From the first meeting in December 1973, the dedicated Steering Committee set about spreading the word across Queensland, publicising information about local media and forging connections within the community. Reaching out to early childhood care professionals such as the Directors of Child and Maternal Welfare Clinics, representatives of C&K and the Australian Government-funded Lady Gowrie Child Centre at Spring Hill, outgoing President Ruth McCallum wrote that she was greeted with helpful, enthusiastic and encouraging support, to the extent that representatives from the organisations visited playgroups, attended meetings and offered their facilities for committee meetings. Ruth wrote:
"As mothers, one tends to approach qualified people in the pre-school field with apprehension but after a brief chat with Miss Roberts [Director, Lady Gowrie Child Centre] we felt thoroughly reassured that we were not being regarded as eccentric mothers."
1975-1983 - The Building Blocks
To encourage grassroots playgroups to affiliate for a small fee and be assured that the children attending were covered by an associated insurance, the dedicated team visited independent playgroups, promoted widely in community media, and organised a range of
promotional activities, including displays and playgroup sessions in shopping centres.
We Were Reaching Mothers —
Interview with Gayle Spranklin
Seeing the benefits of playgroup for not only the children, but also for the mothers, became a source of great satisfaction and pride during her time with the Association. Gayle was making a difference in the lives of others.
"I very much believed in playgroup. It was a very necessary organisation for mothers at that time. The biggest thing for me was that I knew we were reaching mothers. I knew what it was like with one child at home on my own. Every time a mother came to me and said, ‘I’m so thankful I’ve got playgroup’, it made everything we did worthwhile."
Mons Playgroup – the first
Playgroup Centre
On 17 September, 1975, the Mons Playgroup Centre was officially opened by the Chairman of Maroochy Shire Council. With the closure of the Mons State School in 1974, the Education Department granted the lease title to the Maroochy Shire Council. A group of mothers who were attending a Maroochydore playgroup approached the council to make the school their playgroup home and to care for the beautiful grounds set upon one acre of land at Buderim.
Beginning with approximately 25 dedicated parents, the school building and grounds were transformed with the support of community organisations and fundraising activities. The Mons Playgroup, in its beautiful bushland setting, was established. ‘Mons’ has successfully served the community and evolved over almost 50 years.
Expansion - 1983
In 1980, with securing Australian Government funding the sole purpose, PAQ employed former President and playgroup advocate Jill Nicoll as the first part-time Development Officer. The following year, further funding was provided for two Development Officers to serve north and south Queensland and in 1983, the Association received funding to employ three part-time Development Officers in Townsville, Rockhampton, and Brisbane. By 1983, the expanding team and facilities had outgrown the office and PAQ relocated to larger premises in Milton Road, Auchenflower