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Playgroup @ Duntroon Community Centre

Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9.30am-12.00pm

Defence and Civilian families in the ACT region are welcome and encouraged to come along to playgroup at Duntroon Community Centre on any Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday during ACT school term time. At present our numbers are flexible and there is no need to wait until the beginning of a new term to check out playgroup.

What do children do at playgroup?

Children begin each 9.30-12 session enjoying free play in the fantastic outdoor play area at the centre. The entire floor surface (with the exception of the grass!) is soft fall, making it perfect for babies, toddler and pre-schoolers to safely explore the climbing frames, swings, Little Tikes Cozy Coupes and trikes. Two sandpits, two cubby houses and a multitude of ride-ons, push-alongs, hoops and balls mean children can explore and enjoy whatever they choose, with little to no competition! Sun safety is paramount and though excellent shade is provided, all children and adults are encouraged to wear hats and sunscreen when outdoors. See our photo gallery page for some photos of the available equipment.

Indoor time begins around 11am and will be a little different on each day. Generally, children will re-charge with some morning tea packed from home and grown ups can enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee provided by the centre. Afterwards, the group settles in for craft, music, indoor free play, stories, anything really, with the facilities and resources available the only limitation is the imagination of the families attending!

Each playgroup will differ slightly as the format is tailored to the needs of the children and families attending.

How do I know which playgroup will best suit my child?

The best thing to do is come and have a look! Below is a brief outline of our playgroups at present, though they are very much subject to change depending on the ages of the children attending each week.

Tuesday
Convenor: Amanda Thomas
This is a new playgroup that has recently been established. At present there are 7-8 families attending with a variety of ages. In this group children enjoy mostly individual play with some organised activities at times.

Wednesday
Convenor: Jo Cassidy
Wednesday's group includes a broad range of ages (0-4), and has a fairly informal indoor routine. Many children in this group enjoy individual indoor play, however, group activities (craft, music, storytelling) are run when older children are looking for more guided play.

Friday
Convenor: Belinda Daunt
Friday's playgroup is well structured and children enjoy a variety of craft activities during their indoor time each week. There is a parent roster for craft and preparing adults morning tea. A broad range of ages are catered for in this group as many families attend with multiple children.

Can I attend more than one playgroup session a week?

Families are welcome to attend more than one playgroup each week and the fee structure includes a discount for attending multiple sessions. For ease of planning, families are encouraged to choose a set day or days they will attend.

What about playgroup fees?

One day per week - $25/ term
Two days per week - $35/ term
Three days per week - $40/ term

Please note that these term fees are per family (not per child).

Membership of Duntroon Community Centre is a requirement for playgroup attendance and is open to all Defence and Civilian families. Annual membership of the Centre is $15. See here for a membership application form.

Who do I contact for more information?

Jenny Lean, coordinator of the Duntroon Community Centre on 02 6265 9411 or duntrooncc@hotmail.com.