Playground Victoria partnered with Puffing Billy Railway to host a playday at Emerald’s visitor centre, where young children and their families enjoyed several activities.
With the spring showers not dampening their spirits, participants were led by staff from the train and into the education play space on Tuesday 3 October.
The event took place at the Lakeside Visitor Centre, where children until the age of five were welcomed by toys, play areas and renditions of classic tunes such as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Wheels on the Train Go Round and Round.
Leanne Dhami, Playgroup Victoria’s development and support manager and facilitator for the event said, “It was a fantastic day full of smiles and curious minds exploring the train museum and participating in all the activities on offer.
“It’s heart-warming to witness children and parents bonding and sharing experiences like making playdough creations, reading stories and joining in with their favourite songs and dances,” Leanne stated.
In addition, there were arts and crafts, play dough, and a soft play area, where the children and their parents gathered surrounded by tepees, puppets and Australian animal toys.
Danny Schwarz, Playgroup Victoria’s CEO said that the organisation was thrilled that their new partnership with Puffing Billy Railway was such a success.
“Surrounded by all things trains and nature in beautiful Emerald, our pop-up playground provided the perfect place and space for children and their parents to play.”
Peta Howard, the railway’s education coordinator said that “having Playgroup Victoria’s pop-up at Puffing Billy has been an enriching experience for both families and our team,
“It’s a fantastic way to combine the joy of play and learning in this unique and historic setting, and it’s also been a great opportunity for the railway to partner with an organisation that fosters community, supports early childhood development and advocates for the wellbeing of families and young children.” Mr Howard said.
Looking forward to similar events in the future, this playday was a big celebration for the organisation in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Many children and families had missed out on possible events hosted by the playgroup, and to be able to gather once more meant a lot for the health and well-being of these families.
A mother who had previously participated via Zoom was thrilled to take part in an in-person event and be able to meet the facilitators for the first time.
This year local playgroups have begun to gather again with many new playgroups coming as well, with great benefits to the children for connections and overall development.
