Supported playgroup returns to Heywood
Published on 29 July 2025
A critical service for Heywood’s youngest is returning to the township thanks to a collaborative local partnership.
Following community feedback, Glenelg Libraries and Portland District Health's (PDH) Child Maternal Health Services have teamed up through the VicHealth Local Government Partnership (VLGP) to relaunch a Playgroup service for pre-schoolers in Heywood.
This initiative complements existing early literacy programs, including the Rhythm & Rhymes, which runs monthly at the Heywood Library, and Winda-Mara’s Willarn Playgroup, which runs weekly.
Together the participants are co-designing the sessions to cater to the ages of attendees, focusing on priorities such as social connection, creativity, and lifelong learning. The playgroup also receives boosted support from Daly’s IGA Portland, which provides fresh fruit to fuel participants during their play-based learning.
To celebrate the relaunch and growing success of the Heywood Playgroup, a two-day community celebration is being held in collaboration with Glenelg Libraries, PDH, Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation, with support from Tessa O'Bree, Parents Pathway Mentor Are-Able.
On Thursday 31 July, Glenelg Libraries will take Rhythm & Rhymes on the road, bringing an engaging and interactive music and storytelling session to the PDH Playgroup. Children and families will enjoy songs, stories, movement, and rhythm-based play that supports language, connection and literacy.
The celebration continues on Friday 1 August at the Willan Playgroup, where the Rhythm & Rhymes Road-Trip will visit for a second morning of music and interactive song. This session will be delivered in collaboration with Winda-Mara, fostering connection and learning together while recognising the shared efforts of all involved in supporting early years development in Heywood.
Both events will be supported by Are-Able’s Parent Pathway Project and mark significant community collaboration and represent a shared commitment to improving connection, belonging & wellbeing outcomes for pre-schoolers and their families across the region.
Additional information:
PDH Heywood Playgroup meets on the 1st, 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month during the school term.
The purpose of playgroup is for local families to interact and engage with their children whilst practicing small talk strategies and building connections with others in a supportive space with a trained facilitator.
There is no charge to attend the group, fresh fruit is provided for the children and hot drinks for the parents/guardian's.
Where: The playgroup space is located next to the Heywood kinder at 24 Hunter Street, Heywood.
Time: 10am-12pm
Who can attend: Families in the Glenelg Shire region with children aged from infant to 5 years of age
RSVP or to seek more information: Portland District Health Maternal and Child Health Service on 55 210 504
Willarn Playgroup runs every Friday during the school term.
Where: The playgroup space is located next to the Heywood kinder at 24 Hunter Street, Heywood.
Time: 10am-12pm, every Friday during school term.
Who can attend Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families or carers with children aged from 0 to 5 years of age.
To seek more information: Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation on 5527 0000.
Glenelg Libraries Rhythm & Rhymes is held at the Heywood Library at 10:30am on the 3rd Tuesday of the month during the school Term.
To seek more information: Glenelg Libraries on 5522 2265 or visit the Glenelg Libraries website.