Playgroup Network

Natural Parenting Melbourne is currently affiliated with playgroups in the following suburbs across Melbourne. Playgroups are open to all NPM member families (space permitting). We currently have 14 playgroups running within Melbourne.

Most playgroups meet on a weekly basis for 2-3 hours. Sessions include lots of free indoor and outdoor play, circle time for songs/craft and a shared morning tea of fruit. Each family is asked to bring along a piece of fruit to share. Occasionally guest speakers are invited to speak with groups about the information/services/products that they offer.

How to Join a Playgroup?
You will need to contact the playgroup coordinator to ensure there are vacancies available. You will also need to become a member of Natural Parenting Melbourne to attend any of our playgroups. The yearly membership cost to NPM is $25. In addition to your NPM membership each playgroup has a term fee or casual attendance fee that covers the cost of venue hire, craft supplies, tea/coffee, etc.

Please contact the coordinator listed for more information about your local group.

Bacchus Marsh
Meets: Mondays 1.15pm till 3.15pm
Venue: Bacchus Marsh Uniting Church, Gisborne Rd Bacchus Marsh
Cost in addition to NPM membership:
Contact: Hayley Quach
5367 7912
haycoonam@yahoo.com.au

Bayside/Parkside
Meets: Wednesdays 10am till 12noon
Venue: a family home
Cost in addition to NPM membership:
Contact: Bronwyn Nugent
9512 0468
nugent_mbj@hotmail.com

Cockatoo
Meets: Thursdays 10am till 12noon
Venue: Bailey Rd Kindergarten, Bailey Rd Cockatoo
Cost in addition to NPM membership: weekly or term fee
Contact: Athena Jesson
5968 6557

Hurstbridge 2 playgroups
Meets: Wednesdays or Fridays 10am till 12noon
Venue: Hurstbridge Uniting Church Hall, Main Rd Hurstbridge
Public Transport: Hurstbridge train station (Hurstbridge Line) is 15 min walk to the venue
Cost in addition to NPM membership: $20 per term or $3 casually, Playgroup Victoria membership ($23/$14conc annually)
Contact: Rachael Woodhouse
9718 2645

Montmorency
Meets: Thursdays 1pm till 3pm
Venue: Montmorency Children's Centre, Petrie Park, Mountainview Road, Montmorency
Public Transport: 300m walk to Montmorency Railway Station
Cost in addition to NPM membership: $6 per week for regulars, $8 per week casual, $23 Playgroup Vic Membership & insurance (for a year) - we hope the weekly fee will drop once regular numbers increase.
Contact: Fay Loveland
9439 4623
fay_loveland@yahoo.com.au

Northcote 3 playgroups
Meets: Wednesdays 10am till 12noon, Thursday mornings 10.30am till 12.30pm, Thursday afternoons 3pm
Venues: Jika Jika Community Centre, Jika Jika in the Park, various locations
Cost in addition to NPM membership: weekly or term fee
Contact: Emily Board
9489 8334
emily_board@yahoo.co.uk

Preston
Meets: Fridays 9am till 12noon
Venue: Preston Neighbourhood House, 218 High Street Preston
Public Transport: Bell train station (Epping Line) is 5 min walk to the venue
Cost in addition to NPM membership: $25 per term or $4 for each casual weekly visit
Contact: Kat Peacock
9484 4099
kat@katklothing.com

Ringwood
Meets: Tuesdays 10am till 12noon
Venue: Ringwood East Community Hall, 6 Lawrence Grove, Ringwood East (second hall behind Senior Citizens building)
Public Transport:
Cost in addition to NPM membership: weekly or term fee
Contact: Cheryl Connolly
9878 4284
cc75@hotmail.com

Selby
Meets: Tuesdays 10am till 12noon
Venue: Selby Community House
Cost in addition to NPM membership: weekly or term fee
Contact: Melanie Aggenbach
9754 5593 or 0418 562 655
aa@aanet.com.au

St Kilda
Meets: Thursdays 10am till 12noon
Venue: Elwood Community Centre, 63a Ormond Esplanade, Elwood. Rear of the Beach House Café
Public Transport:
Cost in addition to NPM membership: weekly or term fee
Contact: Lindy Spanger
9523 6317
lindy@dreamengine.com.au

Warrandyte
Meets: Tuesdays 9am till 11am
Venue: Warrandyte Uniting Church, Corner of Taroona and West End Roads, Warrandyte.
Public Transport:
Cost in addition to NPM membership: weekly or term fee
Contact: Fiona Young
9844 3306 or 0437 697 429
fiona@webwords.net.au

We warmly welcome expressions of interest from NPM members who are keen to start/co-ordinate a NEW playgroup in their area. Please contact Carolyn Shurey cshurey@optusnet.com.au for support to set up a new group.