Milla Milla Playgroup showing how it’s done

Putting playgroup sessions online during the COVID-19 shutdown has boosted ‘attendance’ at the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative (WAC) Milla Milla Playgroup in North Geelong, Victoria.

Before the lockdown restrictions were imposed (March 2020), there were 17 families (23 children) enrolled for playgroup.

Now, there are 56 families (76 children) engaging with the online Facebook group.

This includes 19 families who had previously attended and are now reconnecting, and 28 new families.

Kristi Watts is a traditional owner of the Wadda-Wurrung people and Facilitator of the  WAC Milla Milla Playgroup

‘When COVID hit in March, we had to close the playgroup because of restrictions. During the first term school holidays, my team leader and I discussed what the service might look like during lock down,’ Kristi said.

‘And we came up with WAC Milla Milla Playgroup at Home on Facebook. We discussed how I could livestream our usual group session to help children stay connected to culture and to playgroup.’

Much of the pre-shutdown program was retained such as story time, singing and learning in language. This kept things familiar to those who were able to attend before.

Going online also meant that those who couldn’t attend before, now could.

‘Transport was and is one of our biggest barriers for getting families to playgroup,’ Kristi said.

‘I probably have had about 10 or more families turned away in the past because I don’t do transport in a certain area or the bus transport list is full for that particular day.’

With the transport problem now ‘solved’, there were still more obstacles to overcome.

Not all families had a device to watch the livestreams and not everyone was on Facebook. Certain activities required certain resources and not every family had them.

As families signed up with Facebook, the numbers attending increased and the Early Years backpacks were distributed so families could engage in the activities. Activities within the pack included Ochre, paint, paper and resources sheets.

The return to playgroup using online digital platforms yielded very satisfying outcomes. Parents were grateful that their children continued to connect to culture and they shared photos of the children watching the live playgroup sessions.

One parent said “I love what you’re doing. Every time my child sees your face, she’s always engaging with you straight away. She loves the story time and dancing and making good use of everything in the pack. Thank you.”

Kristi said she was surprised by the success of the online program.

‘I remember being worried that nobody would watch, that families would not be interested in doing playgroup online,’ she said.

‘I would get really excited when I saw someone watching and receiving comments from families saying “Hello” or if they hit the like/love button.’

The online playgroup continues and with sessions still not being able to be held at the indoor centre, Kristi has taken the playgroup “out on Country”.

‘We have been coming together at parks, reserves and sanctuaries to do playgroup, while still live streaming to those watching online,’ Kristi said.

‘When the livestream finishes, I get to have a yarn with families that have attended playgroup. I thank them for coming and tell them I will see them next week at the next park.’