What will you find at New Gisborne Playgroup?
Our playgroup offers a collaborative space with lots of activities and toys accessible to our members, including:
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Craft cupboard
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Puzzles
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Books
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Indoor climbing equipment
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A variety of toys
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Dress-ups
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Blocks
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Outdoor equipment – slides, swings
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Sandpit
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Cubby House
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Adventure Playground
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Activity Resources
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Kitchen – with tea and coffee provided
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Sessions
Sessions are open throughout the week and even during school holidays and public holidays.
Please contact our membership secretary at newgisborneplaygroup@gmail.com to join a group.
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Memberships
We're a not-for-profit organisation with all member fees contributing towards the running of the hall and the playgroup.
Fees are collected by end of Term 1 every year. Get in touch with our Membership Secretary if you're joining after Term 2.
Every effort has been made to keep playgroup accessible to all but if you need to work out a different arrangement, please contact us confidentially.
How to join?
Follow the 5 easy steps to join New Gisborne Playgroup!
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Once you've provided all your details and made payment, you'll receive an entry code to the Hall. ​Then you can start attending playgroup.
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Spend the first few sessions getting to know your fellow playgroup members, perhaps even starting a group chat. Explore our cupboard and sheds to see the full range of toys and activities we have to offer.
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You can create a gentle structure to your session. Perhaps starting with free play, then morning tea, maybe a storybook or a sing-along session.
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You and the other families will be responsible for packing up and leave the hall clean. Taking pride in our space is a big part of playgroup.
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Still not sure? Have a read through our FAQ page or reach to our committee at newgisborneplaygroup@gmail.com.
Where is New Gisborne Playgroup?
You can find the playgroup at Ross Watt Children's Hall, 252 Station Road New Gisborne.
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The Hall is private property accessible only to members and hall hirers. With a generous indoor play area, kitchen, bathroom and storage facilities the playgroup is a great place to get out of the house in the cold Macedon Range winters.
In dry weather, you and your children can enjoy a large and shady outdoor space, with swing sets, cubby houses, slides, sandpits and climbing frames.
Why you should join a Playgroup?
The social, emotional, physical and intellectual development that occurs through the play and interaction at playgroup is great for the mind and body. Knowledge builds and skills are refined. Children learn social skills and language skills. It readies children for the next step into kinder and prep.
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In the Macedon Ranges we are lucky to live in a growing community that retains the values of a small town. New Gisborne Playgroup has been running for many years and the benefits of play and social interaction for children has widened to creating a space for parents and guardians of young children to meet, socialise, share parenting stories and creating lifelong friendships.
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Who runs New Gisborne Playgroup?
New Gisborne Playgroup is managed by a volunteer committee whose children attend the playgroup. The committee is made up of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and various other roles that support the running, maintenance and promotion of the the playgroup.
We come from a range of personal and professional backgrounds but share one common value: Community.
All members are warmly encouraged to contribute in any way they can. Whether you join the committee, help with fundraising, attend working bees or have a special skill that can enhance the playgroup, we welcome all suggestions. Joining in doesn't just help the playgroup run, it is a chance to be an important part of your town.
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Proud History
Blanche Muriel Ross Watt organised a Wattle Day event in 1912, which raised several thousand pounds for a children’s community hall in New Gisborne. Thus began a long and rich history of the Ross Watt Children's Hall.
The beloved hall has had many uses over the past 110 years and now is used primarily for the families of New Gisborne Playgroup.
Mrs Ross Watt would be proud to know her dream of the Children’s Hall is still very much alive today.
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