Announcements, Featured, Stories - October 19, 2025
Intereach launches new playgroups to celebrate Children’s Week
Intereach is celebrating National Children’s Week by launching a series of Early Supports Playgroups across the Loddon region.
The new playgroups, for children aged 0–6 years, are running in Bendigo, Gisborne and Maryborough, with more locations to follow.
Each playgroup offers a supportive space where parents can discuss concerns for their child’s development and receive guidance from qualified professionals with a focus on building parent knowledge and confidence — with practical strategies to support everyday learning at home and in the community.
Intereach Early Childhood Loddon Program Manager Natalie Grant said the initiative reflected the organisation’s vision of strong connected communities.
“Children thrive when families feel supported and connected,” Ms Grant said.
“We want every parent to know that support is available. Early Supports can help families build their child’s confidence and skills through everyday routines and relationships, without necessarily needing to access the NDIS.”
Pictured: Early Childhood practitioners Deb Costello and Heidi Dachil hosting the Bendigo Playgroup at Kidszone in Kangaroo Flat.
Facilitated by trained practitioners with input from allied health professionals — including speech therapists, occupational therapists and early childhood teachers — the playgroups provide both individual and group support in an early childhood setting.
The Intereach Early Childhood team is hosting Early Supports Playgroup open days this week in:
- Maryborough – Monday 20 October, 12.30pm–3.30pm at The Nest, 91 Nolan St.
- Bendigo – Wednesday 22 October, 12.30pm–3.30pm at Kidzone Building, 19 Helm St, Kangaroo Flat.
- Gisborne – Friday 25 October, 10am–12pm at 71 Robertson St (enter via Neal St).
Ms Grant said the launch during National Children’s Week was especially meaningful.
“Children’s Week reminds us to celebrate the rights, voices and achievements of children, and to recognise the vital role they play in shaping our communities,” she said.
Pictured: Intereach Early Childhood practitioner Nicole West at The Nest – the venue for the Maryborough playgroup.
“At Intereach, children aren’t just part of what we do — they’re at the very heart of it.”
Intereach will also be connecting with families at community events throughout the week — including the 54 Reasons Playgroup at Echuca Apex Park on Wednesday 22 October and in Mooroopna on Friday 24 October.
The playgroups will continue weekly throughout Term 4, 2025, at these same locations and times. Families are invited to drop in, meet the Early Childhood team, and enjoy fun activities designed to nurture learning through play.
To learn more or register for Early Supports, call 1300 488 226 or visit www.intereach.com.au/early-childhood-referral-process
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