Playgroup Queensland National Playgroup Week Event

Member for Bulimba, Di Farmer; our Board Chair, Ms Gloria Sherlock, and CEO, Mr Stephen Alderman; other distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; girls and boys. Kaye and I are very pleased, once again, to join Queensland families and Playgroup Queensland for this signature event of National Playgroup Week.

Last year’s family fun day was held at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre; this year, I’m very pleased to see the celebration focussed on the regions, with the main event here in Ipswich and fantastic programs of activities in Redlands, the Sunshine Coast, Rockhampton, Cairns and Mt Isa.

Playgroup is a vital and enriching part of the life of thousands of Queensland families whether they’re in cities and towns where they can enjoy the playgroup experience directly, or living in remote parts of our state where they can access support and inspiration online or by contact with Playgroup Queensland.

I must say Kaye and I were delighted to see the very appealing theme for National Playgroup Week this year – ‘messy play’!

As grandparents, we know all too well that children of Playgroup age need very little incentive to explore the pleasure of playing with water, paint, playdough – even shaving cream and mud!

What fun, this year, for parents and grandparents to be invited to join in and ‘get messy’. I’ve been told that Playgroup Queensland has even, very thoughtfully, provided a recipe on their website for families to make their own ‘slime’!

Of course none of this is idle fun; play is learning, and is critical for the development of physical skills, healthy social relationships, creativity, and an understanding of the world.

As Patron of Playgroup Queensland, I am very proud of the achievements of this Queensland organisation which has now served the community for more than forty years.

I congratulate them on their ongoing advocacy, training and research, and as Governor, I thank them for their continued commitment to providing excellent services across our vast State.