Local pop-up playgroups win award

Baw Baw Shire Council celebrated a major win at this year's 2026 Victorian Early Years Awards, taking home the award in the Promoting Children's Health and Wellbeing category for its innovative pop-up playgroups program.

Presented by the Department of Education, the Victorian Early Years Awards celebrate achievements and recognise outstanding contributions across the early years sector.

The award recognised the positive impact of council's pop-up playgroups in creating welcoming, inclusive and accessible opportunities for young children and their families to connect, learn and play together.

The program began as a pilot in 2023 in response to a growing need for connection among local families, including families moving to the area without nearby friends or relatives and parents experiencing increased isolation following the COVID pandemic.

Since then, pop-up playgroups have brought play-based experiences into local community spaces, helping families with children aged from birth to five-years access engaging early learning activities, build relationships with other families and connect with local services.
Through play, children have opportunities to develop their social, emotional, physical and communication skills, while parents and carers can build confidence, share experiences and strengthen their sense of belonging within the community.
Council's pop-up playgroups help reduce barriers to participation and create informal, supportive environments where every family is welcome.
Mayor Kate Wilson said the program had made a meaningful difference for local families and communities.
"We are thrilled that pop-up playgroups is being recognised alongside other outstanding early years programs across Victoria.
"This recognition celebrates the important work our team does with children, families and the community to help them come together, make connections and build a village of support," Cr Wilson said.
Winners in each category received a $15,000 grant to support professional development or further develop their early years initiative.
The award reinforced council's commitment to supporting children's health and wellbeing, strengthening connections between families and giving every child the best start in life.
Upcoming pop-up playgroup sessions:
Thursday, November 12 – Warragul - Jack and Jill went up the hill to attend 'World Nursery Rhyme Week' at Family and Children's Service Playgroup, 12 George St, Warragul.
Thursday, December 17 – Warragul - 'Twill not be a Silent Night at the 'Christmas Celebration' at Family and Children's Service Playgroup, 12 George Street Warragul.
All sessions start at 10am and finish at 11:30am (unless otherwise stated).