Narre Warren
Kidz Playgroup
History
In 2002 'Narre Warren Kidz Playgroup' was made up of six families that ran one day a week from a Church hall in Narre Warren. As the Church could no longer accommodate their needs they were seeking a place to hold their Playgroup. The Health Nurse at Maramba MCHN centre kindly offered the centre to the playgroup.
Jenelle was the President at the time, and started to invite Mothers Groups to join the centre. In 2004 there were about 20 families attending 4 mornings a week.
In 2006-2007 Caroline became the President instilling family values to the Playgroup and starting our annual Christmas party celebration. Caroline started organizing the outdoor sandpit but wasn't able to complete her mission during her Presidency role. When Caroline ceased membership at the end of 2007, she noted 30 families were being accommodated at Narre Warren Kidz Playgroup.
Caroline handed the President role to Mena in 2008. Mena continued the sandpit mission and made it come to fruition. She was also successful in obtaining two grants which started the ball rolling for major improvements at the centre in 2009. Mena also continued the Christmas party tradition at the 'Rocket Park'.
Mena handed over the President role to Michelle in 2009. Within weeks she changed the layout of the rooms, better utilizing the space therefore creating a user friendly environment. This made way for the items herself and Mena purchased with the Grant money. After having a successful fundraising dinner at 'Pin Oak Receptions' with Caroline's help (past President, Manager of Pin Oak) and along with the grants, many new items were made possible: wooden shelf with toy box, better fridge, outdoor table for the kids, upgraded outdoor toys, replenished craft cupboards, the indoor soft fall climb'n'slide, Perspex painting board etc. Michelle also organized the building of a much needed shelter for the sandpit. She was also lucky enough to receive many donated items.
Michelle also continued the Christmas party tradition in 2009 and 2010 by moving it to the 'Old Cheese Factory'. The following year the committee opted for an indoor play centre to negate weather issues.
Lauren took over the presidency in 2013 and continued to uphold the Narre Warren Kidz Playgroup tradition of ending with an End of Year party at Monkey G's which was enjoyed by all. In 2014 Ally became president, with Lauren remaining as vice president. We have been lucky enough to be offered the use of the Maramba kinder room (next door to our previous rooms) which has provided more space for the kids to play. Ally arranged a successful Bunnings BBQ fundraiser which was allowed the purchase of a large wooden cubby house. In 2014 the City of Casey's free web service closed down. Lauren and Georgia took advantage of free training provided by the City of Casey to use wix to create this new website for our playgroup. Our Christmas party for 2014 and 2015 was at our playgroup rooms and featured a disco in 2014, and a petting zoo in 2015 which the children loved. In 2016 Jenn was our president and arranged another successful BBQ fundraiser. In August 2016 a dads/men's session was started on a Saturday morning as a trial and our Christmas Party was at Xanadu Indoor Playground. Also, Jenn was lucky enough to procure a beautiful little cubby house free, courtesy of Bunnings Fountain Gate. Breanne took over the presidency for 2017.
In 2019, long-time member of the playgroup, Hayley, became President and has been successful in signing on many new families. Hayley also facilitated the purchase of new soft play equipment and another successful Bunnings BBQ.
2020 and 2021 were tough years for us all. The pandemic affected everyone, including playgroup, and we all missed out on a lot. In 2022 and 2023 we enjoyed full years at our Endeavour Hills location and look forward to exploring a new venue in Berwick for 2024.