The non-profit, Belgrave South Toy Library, has received a boost this year with the Victorian Department of Education’s Children’s Week 2025 grants.
The volunteer-run organisation, nestled in the scenic hills of Belgrave South, is now gearing up for a special community event to celebrate the importance of play in early childhood development.
The Power of Play event will take place on Sunday, 26 October, from 2pm to 4pm at the Len Jeffrey Memorial Preschool in Belgrave South.
It’s part of the broader Children’s Week celebrations running from 18 to 26 October, and it promises to be an afternoon packed with fun, creativity, and connection for local families.
Belgrave South Toy Library president, Georgina Clarke said the grant’s success allows the Toy Library to provide the community with a special opportunity to enjoy an afternoon full of family-friendly activities.
“The Belgrave South Toy Library is a not-for-profit, entirely volunteer-run organisation, so we rely on grants and the generosity of our community to provide special events on top of our regular service,” Ms Clarke said.
“We are thrilled to be successful recipients of the Victorian Department of Education Children’s Week grants this year, it means that we can welcome our community to enjoy an afternoon of fun at our ‘Power of Play’ event.”
The event will feature face painting, storytime, bubbles, crafts, and a range of exciting activities, all designed to highlight the significance of play in early childhood.
Families can look forward to two hours of free entertainment, with opportunities for children to engage in messy play, construction activities, and, of course, enjoy plenty of toys, available for everyone to play with.
“We believe in the Power of Play to help children not only learn and grow, but to thrive,” Ms Clarke said.
“Play can open up whole new worlds for children, and we want to help foster those opportunities in our community.”
Research consistently shows that play is central to a child’s development, for Ms Clarke and the team at the Toy Library, this belief is at the heart of their mission.
“Children learn through play,” she said.
“Having time and opportunities to explore their senses, develop their motor skills, and nurture their imagination in different and interesting ways is key. This year’s Children’s Week theme is all about children’s rights, and we wholeheartedly believe in the right to play. That’s why we’ve planned different activity stations in line with that theme.”
The Belgrave South Toy Library provides much more than just toys.
“Beyond providing our active membership base with cost-effective access to a large collection of varied toys, we also help build a sense of community and connection for local families,” Ms Clarke said.
The library offers an environmentally sustainable, financially accessible way for parents to keep their children entertained, all while fostering a deeper sense of belonging.
With a dedicated but modest membership base, the Toy Library sees the Power of Play event as an important opportunity to expand their reach and raise awareness about the role of toy libraries in supporting families.
“Navigating life with young children can be incredibly challenging, so we help by providing a financially and environmentally sustainable way to keep children entertained and active,” Ms Clarke said.
“This event is a wonderful opportunity to connect with more families and raise awareness of the value of toy libraries in fostering resilient and engaged children, families, and communities.”
The Power of Play event is free and open to everyone in the community.
For more information, head to the Belgrave South Toy Library’s Facebook page.
