Community
5 December, 2025
Playgroup celebrates 100 sessions of fun
WEST Warrnambool’s Toddle on Hoddle playgroup has celebrated a special milestone.
The playgroup, which enjoyed its 100th session last week, is the result of a highly successful partnership between the West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House and Warrnambool West Primary School.
The playgroup began in 2023, which was a time when the West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House didn’t have a permanent location.
On Tuesdays during the school term, children and their carers come together to play, learn and laugh in a supportive environment at Warrnambool West Primary School on Hoddle Street.
Trish Grey has been coming to the playgroup with her granddaughter Alice since the beginning, and said it was one of the highlights of her week.
“When Alice is dropped off, I run out and say ‘we’re going to playgroup’. Alice loves it and I love it,” she said.
“Every day coming here is fun.
“I like it when there’s lots of nannas here so we can sit and talk, and also talking with parents and letting them know that what they’re going through is normal.”
After moving from East Warrnambool to West Warrnambool, Ms Grey said that Toddle on Hoddle and the West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House helped her feel part of the community.
She now volunteers at the house, running crochet sessions on Thursdays.
“I just love the community spirit… It’s a real community connection,” she said.
Fellow long-term Toddle on Hoddle member Chrissy Mugavin agreed.
“It’s relaxed and friendly and my boys (Felix and Alex) really enjoy it,” she said.
“As a new mum it was very easy to be cooped up at home and not get out, so it was very important for my own mental health to get out and about and see other parents and for the kids to have a play.
“Some weeks I probably wouldn’t have left the house without playgroup.”
West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House coordinator Jill Bourke said that Toddle on Hoddle had become one of the house’s most popular programs.
“The Neighbourhood House is all about bringing the community together and creating those connections, so that’s why we run events and activities for people at all stages of life,” she said.
“A community playgroup was really important, because when you have a baby or a young child, it can be a bit isolating at times, both for the adults and the children.
“So we wanted to create a place where people could come and feel comfortable playing with their children and also meet other people.”
Warrnambool West Primary School principal Karen Holdsworth said she was proud of how the playgroup provided an important link between the school and the community.
“It has been a success because not only do we have the close connection with the West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House, but also for our families who are in the neighbourhood, they get to see our school,” she said.
“Our Foundation teacher Renae Blake and Jill work so seamlessly together and not only does it celebrate the work of the Warrnambool City Council and the Neighbourhood House but also brings the West Warrnambool school community together.”
Next year Toddle on Hoddle will run from 9.30am until 11am on Thursday’s during the school term in the Warrnambool West Primary School multi-purpose room.
It’s free to attend with no bookings needed and morning tea is provided.
