Playgroups

Playgroups are a fun, safe environment for families with young children (aged 0-5) to connect, build friendships and support children’s learning and development through play.

At playgroup you get to meet other people going through similar experiences and find out about local community, health and support services.

There are two main types of playgroups in the Ballarat region, Community Playgroups and Supported Playgroups.

A community playgroup is typically run by parents/carers or volunteers. Playgroup sessions are generally run weekly, for up to 2 hours, at various locations and venues in the community. Community playgroups welcome all families to attend, there is usually a small fee which covers the running costs of the playgroup.

We have many community playgroups in the Ballarat region. See the list of Ballarat’s community playgroups below:

Smalltalk supported playgroups are a free program for families across Victoria with children from birth to school age.

A qualified facilitator leads 10* fun sessions where parents develop their skills and confidence to support their child’s wellbeing and development.  

It starts with smalltalk.

Your facilitator will guide you through simple practical strategies that can help your child feel safe and nurtured; that helps their language, communication, and social skills develop; and that really get them interested in the world around them.

There's even an opportunity to learn and practise these strategies in your own home, with one-on-one support.

At supported playgroups, parents and children enjoy a range of fun play opportunities and activities together. Parents also find out about local services and support networks in the community.

Supported Playgroups Eligibility

Smalltalk supported playgroups are state funded and free to attend for eligible families.

Priority will be given to:

• Families with children aged 0-5 years who hold a Health Care Card or another eligible card/visa
• Families supported through NDIS
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and families
• Families that have been referred or supported by Enhanced Maternal and Child Health Services
• Families that have been referred or supported by Orange Door/child protection

Each term, Small Talk Groups are provided across Ballarat. Register your interest below and a Small Talk facilitator will give you a call with further information including session locations and times.

* Families are funded to attend our supported playgroups for 2-3 terms, then assistance is given to transition to another activity or early educational program 

Ballarat East Neighbourhood Playgroup at Barkly Square  

This playgroup is connected the Ballarat Toy Library and so a different range of toys are selected every week.

Address: Community Room 103, Barkly Square, 25 Barkly Street, Ballarat East
Email: reception@ballarateastnh.org.au
Sessions: Tuesdays 10.00am to 12 noon. Playgroup runs during school term.
Cost: Free
Registration: Please register via ballarateastnh.org.au/social-connection/playgroup

Ballarat Nature Playgroup

A casual and relaxed playgroup that meets to play outdoors. Location changes every term so please check the Facebook page for more details. 

Contact: ballaratnatureplaygroup@gmail.com
Follow us on Facebook
Sessions: Tuesdays 10.30am to 12 noon
Cost: $5 per session or $20 for the whole term

Brown Hill - Ballarat North Neighbourhood House Playgroup

Fun and relaxed playgroup in Brown Hill.

Address: Russell Square – Corner of Stawell and Humffray Street, Brown Hill  
Contact: info@bnnh.org.au
Sessions: Mondays 9.15am to 11am
Cost: Gold coin donation

Ballarat Outdoor Playgroup

We meet at a different Ballarat park location each term where we connect with nature and each other in a relaxed session.

Address: Currently meeting at Brown Hill reserve  
Contact: Janet Lovejoy 
Email: ballaratoutdoorplaygroup@fastmail.com
Phone: 0401 315 396
Sessions: Friday mornings from 9.30am to 11.15am
Cost: $125 per term (covers part of facilitator's time and supplies)

Buninyong Playgroup

Buninyong playgroup sessions move around between Buninyong primary school, Mt Buninyong Winery and outside locations. Please check the website for a term calendar with more information.

Address: Various locations around Buninyong and Scotsburn
Contact: Belinda Wardle 
Email: buninyongcommunityplaygroup@gmail.com
Follow us on Facebook
Sessions: Friday mornings 9:30am - 11:30am
Cost: $6 per family
Bookings: Book tickets online

Brilliant Stars Baha’i Playgroup  

Playgroup includes discussion of Baha’i Faith. Lessons focus on a spiritual quality and feature prayer and a quotation set to music, songs and simple craft activities. If you would like to join for breakfast before playgroup at 9:30am please bring along a plate of food to share.

Address: Delacombe Primary School – 110 Greenhalghs Road, Delacombe
Contact: Nabiheh Bomassy 
Email: nabiheh.nosherwan@hotmail.com
Phone: 0476 991 172
Website: bahaiballarat.org.au/brilliant-stars-playgroup
Sessions: Saturdays during school term from 10.30am
Cost: Free

Grandparents Playgroup

A relaxed and informal playgroup for Grandparents and other families to have some fun together. The session includes time spent at an indoor playgroup. Please bring along a snack box and water bottle for your child.

Address: York Street Church of Christ, 410 York Street, Ballarat East
Contact: Trish Zukauskas 
Phone: 0418 355 522
Sessions: Tuesdays 9.30 to 11.30am  
Cost: $3 per session

Japanese Community Playgroup  

Everyone is welcome. Currently there is no Japanese story time or Japanese activities, we play and talk in Japanese.

Address: Sebastopol Primary School - Warreen St, Sebastopol 
Contact: Yuri Matthews 
Email: yurimathews.au@gmail.com
Sessions: Tuesdays 9.30 to 11.30  
Cost: Free for drop ins $5/$10 per year to cover insurance

Kardinia Playgroup

Kardinia Playgroups uses music, dance, props, instruments, sign language, books, and craft to provide a fun and engaging playgroup experience for families with children aged 0-5 years.

Address: 65 Albert Street, Sebastopol
Follow us on Facebook
Website: kardiniachurch.com/playgroups
Sessions: 
Monday 9.30am - 10.45am & 11am – 12.30pm
Tuesday 9.30am – 11am
Wednesday 9.30am – 11am
Thursday 9.30am – 10.45am & 11am – 12pm
Cost: $140 per family, per semester. Discounted fees are available for NDIS and pensioner concession cards.

Mainly Music at Enjoy Church Ballarat  

These weekly sessions are full of fun songs and rhymes, dancing and movement, designed to engage children and adults alike. Designed for children from newborn to pre-school, we have a music session, delicious morning tea and free play. Craft and special theme days throughout the term.

Address: 2/26 Grandlee Drive, Wendouree
Contact: ballarat@enjoy.church
Follow us on Facebook
Sessions: Wednesdays during school term. 10.30am to 12pm
Cost: $5 per family, per week.

Mainly Music at One 2 One Church Ballarat

Enjoy 30 minutes of music with your preschool child. Meet and chat with others in the same season of life. Your child will delight in the play time after the music session. You’ll enjoy food and drink together. Please book online at the one 2 one Church website. 

Address: 121 Gillies Street, Alfredton
Contact: admin@churchone2one.org.au
Website: churchone2one.org.au/ministry/ballarat-playgroup
Sessions: Thursdays during school term 10 to 11.30 am
Cost: $5 per family.

Miners Rest Playgroup

A fun and relaxed playgroup, please check our Facebook page for more details.

Address: Miners Rest Community Hall, Market Street, Miners Rest
Contact: Please contact through Facebook
Sessions: Fridays during school term 9.30 to 11.30am
Cost: Free 

Multicultural Playgroup – Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council

Free play, Crafts, Music, Dancing, sharing Storytime in 21 languages and more. 
Please contact Nyibol before attending the playgroup. 

Address: Ballarat Welcome Centre, Barkly Square, 25-39 Barkly St, Ballarat East
Contact: Nyibol Deng
Email: n.deng@brmc.org.au
Playgroup Sessions: Thursdays during school term. 10.30am to 12pm
Storytime Sessions: 
Mandarin Storytime. Every 2nd and 4th Monday, 10:00am to 10:40am
Nuer (thok Naath) Storytime. Every 2nd and 4th Monday, 11:40am to 12:20pm
Cost: Free

St. Aloysius Playgroup  

All families from schools and the wider community welcome.  Please enter via main office.  

Address: St. Aloysius Primary School, 800 Ripon St South, Redan  
Contact: Call the School Office on 5335 8177  
Sessions: Monday mornings during school terms. 9am to 10.30am
Cost: Free

St. James' Playgroup  

All are welcome. Please enter via the Vale Street carpark.

Address: St. James' Parish Primary School - 260 Albert St, Sebastopol  
Contact: Call the School Office on 5335 8750
Sessions: Thursday mornings during school terms. 9am to 10.30am (please add)
Cost: Free 

Sing, Play and Move with Coco Sounds at Parker Place  

Sing, Play Move with Lauren from Coco Sounds is an interactive 30-minute session to encourage children to sing, play and move. During the warmer months this held in the gardens and during the colder months this is held indoors. Families are welcomed to stay and connect after the singing session and children are welcomed to enjoy a fresh fruit platter.  

Address: Gardens of Parker Place 702 Pleasant Street South, Redan  
Contact: Alison Ford. 
Email: alison.ford@salvationarmy.org.au
Sessions: Wednesday mornings 10am to 12.00pm
Cost: Free

Steiner Playgroup 

Our playgroup is a nurturing flow of activities that support your child’s natural development. The sessions are filled with song, creative play, morning tea, and storytelling. Little explorers can roam and discover our beautiful gardens in a safe environment.

Address: 244 Moss Avenue, Mount Helen
Contact: Call the school on 5341 8188
Website: ballaratsteinerschool.com.au
Sessions: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays mornings during school terms. 9.30am to 11.30am
Cost: $180 per term

Stepping Stones Playgroup

Stepping Stones Playgroup is a part of Hilltop Church Ballarat, and we are simply a community playgroup that aims to be a safe place for parents and children in the community of Ballarat.

Address: 17 Dawson Street Nth, Ballarat Central
Contact: info@hilltop.church
Follow us on Facebook
Sessions: Wednesday mornings, during school terms 10am to 12.00pm
Cost: Free

The Well by Green Earth Kids

The Well is Ballarat’s only Children’s Wellbeing and Creativity Hub – committed to community, connection and nurture. Our child-led playgroups are run by experienced and passionate facilitators, with an emphasis on sustainability, nature and messy play. Our indoor/outdoor centre welcomes all children, parents and carers including those with additional needs or challenging behaviours.

Address: Rear of 410 York Street, Ballarat East
Email: info@thewellbygek.com
Phone: 0494 058 170
Website: thewellbygek.com
Sessions: 
Toddler Sensory (ages 12-24 months) - Tuesday 9.30-10.30am 
Baby Sensory (ages 3-12 months) - Tuesday 11.00am-12.00pm 
Preschool Eco Craft & Play (ages 2-5 years) – Wednesday 9.30-10.45am 
Preschool Sensory (ages 2-5 years) – Thursday 9.30-10.45am 
Cost: $10 to $15 per session/whole term OR $12 to $18 per casual session. We offer sibling, single parent and health care card holder discounts.

Warrenheip Playgroup

All are welcome. A fun and relaxed playgroup. 

Address: Warrenheip Primary School, 92 Warrenheip Road, Warrenheip
Contact: Please call the school on: 5334 7294
Sessions: Friday mornings during school terms 9.15am to 11.15am
Cost: Free

To get started the first step is to reach out to the City of Ballarat Community Playgroup Officer: 

Email: ballaratplaygroups@ballarat.vic.gov.au

The Community Playgroup Officer will provide support with the following:

• Funding the cost of setting up a playgroup
• Accessing insurance, acquiring equipment and resources
• Professional support for activities and play ideas
• Understanding the benefits of playgroup for families
• Ensuring playgroup is a safe and inclusive place

There are many benefits to volunteering as a playgroup leader such as building a strong community network whilst gaining valuable skills and experience for future work or volunteering opportunities.

Phone: 5320 5820 
Email: ballaratplaygroups@ballarat.vic.gov.au
In person: Visit one of our Parent Place locations