Census 2021: Playgroups Australia on the benefits of bringing communities together

By completing the Census, community playgroups can provide opportunities to create a village through play and connect families with young children.

A sense of belonging in communities has allowed many Australian families to remain strong and persevere through difficult times.

For mum-of-two Christina Pacillo, being able to still attend playgroups in lockdown and connect with families was key to greater engagement and healthy relationships.

“Since starting playgroup, we have made some really beautiful lifelong friendships that we absolutely love dearly and are blessed to have. We were fortunate and very grateful this could still go ahead,” she said.

“It gives both parents and children the opportunity to bond and connect, to ask questions without fear, and engage with our children in a loving and fun environment.”

Christina Pacillo with her kids, Orlando, 3, and Allegra, 7. Picture: Matt Loxton

Helping families feel less isolated and more connected through play, learning and friendship is all in half a century’s work for Playgroup Australia.

The organisation uses Census data — number of children, locations, income, religion, education and health — to help plan where a playgroup would be beneficial to local families.

Playgroup Australia SA chief executive Craig Bradbrook said Census data is particularly useful when used alongside the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) data.

“Reviewing the number of children that are developmentally vulnerable, and identifying areas using the SEIFA index of disadvantage, provide insights into locations where children and families may require increased support to establish community playgroups, and plan activities and experiences that will provide opportunities for children’s development,” he said.

Data by the AEDC shows that playgroups are universally beneficial to all children from a range of different backgrounds.

Playgroup Australia SA chief executive Craig Bradbrook.

A cost-benefit analysis completed in 2019 shows the cost-benefit ratio of community playgroups is almost 4:1, providing the Australian community with a projected $584 million value between 2019 and 2029 from the delivery of playgroups, the organisation said.

It also provides programs that focus on increasing diversity and inclusivity. The PlayTogether program supports community playgroups to provide a more inclusive environment for children who have a disability, diagnosed or strongly suspected, and their families.

“The data provided from the ABS allows us to identify and target communities where this type of support may be most needed, using key indicators in the Census,” Mr Bradbrook said.

By each household completing the Census, Playgroup Australia can provide opportunities to create a village through play and connect families with young children across the country.

Each week outside of Covid, Playgroup Australia estimates roughly 150,000 parents and caregivers attend playgroups, coming together in approximately 7500 gathering places all around Australia.

The next Census is August 10. You can complete your Census here.