By Callum Ludwig
A new playgroup has started at the Seville Community House that will provide a safe and fun space for local LGBTQIA+ families.
Yarra Ranges Council’s Early Years Team and the Seville Community House are partnering to hold a regular Rainbow Families playgroup.
Manager of the Seville Community House Vicki Harrison said they are so excited to provide the playgroup and love the concept.
“We did some consultation sessions with some local LGBTQ + families just to find out what they would like to see us do, this is one of a few of the options happening and we love the idea and that Seville Community House was in the position to be able to offer that,” she said.
“We’ve felt that some of these families can feel isolated from the community, so this is a very safe place for them to be able to be who they are.”
The Rainbow Families Playgroup will be held on Thursdays from 9.30am to 11am for families with children from birth to school age.
Ms Harrison said it is a great way to connect families.
“It’s not just Seville specific, families are coming from around the Valley and it’s all about being a social interaction for parents as well as the play and learning experience for the children,” she said.
“It will provide a support network and we can also connect them with organisations to assist them if needed.”
Families can sign up oto the Rainbow Families playgroup for $20 per school term.
Ms Harrison said she is hopeful that the playgroup will continue to grow.
“We’ve got several families coming along for the first one and we’re just hoping that it grows profoundly,” she said.
“Ideally we’d love to see another one, maybe eventually we’ll get an early age one and maybe an older age playgroup but it’s just fantastic to be partnering with Council for this,”
“We certainly want to be in a supportive place and have a positive playgroup, we welcome everybody here and this will be a fabulous opportunity for our queer families to get together.”
For more information, contact the Early Years team by calling 1300 368 333 or emailing earlyyears@yarraranges.vic.gov.au or the Seville Community House at (03) 5964 3987.
