The best thing about living in Raywood? “The people. It’s the people.”
This is what the volunteer librarian Amanda says as she brings in a plate of scones and homemade jam, to share with the Raywood playgroup.
Raywood was once an old mining town, and you can see remnants of its former glory years in the wide streetscape, pub, town hall (dated 1878) and historic shopfronts. At the height of the goldrush, in the early 1860’s, there were some 1500 residents and seven hotels in Raywood. You can sense that there have been many stories shared and exchanged on these streets over the years.
They continue today but in a different way.
The place is much smaller. The town hall, the post office, the pub, the school, and now the playgroup, act as a meeting place for families living nearby, often working on the land or seeking a quieter life with space and fresh air, outside of the next major regional outpost, Bendigo.
Jemma and her husband Matt, both enjoyed childhoods nearby. They have lived in various places, including Canada and New Zealand for Matt, but decided to return to their roots and give their two children, “A childhood that was relaxing, quiet and simple, free from the hustle and bustle of big cites. An area with space for the kids to play and explore, not only in our yard, but also in the community.”
Jemma joined the local town committee and quickly identified a space that needed to be filled with a sense of belonging. She wanted to create a playgroup.
“It’s so important. I work in a special care nursery in Bendigo, I see the importance of families getting together, the importance of a playgroup, especially in a small town where you can feel very isolated, not having that connection with other mums or other dads.”
Matt said that Jemma took it upon herself to get the group up and running, unsure if anyone would turn up, let alone continue to come each week. The playgroup has now been going for a year.
Jemma encourages community engagement, with bush walks, visiting the local park and local residents. A bond has been established with the primary school, of twelve students. At Christmas and Easter the kids came along to playgroup and created with the littlies, strengthening those ties. While not everyone will, Matt says there is a chance that some children will continue to transition into the local school, creating longevity in the town, giving the children a link to place, to each other during their formative years.
“Being able to meet other local families has been fantastic, especially in our small farming community,” said Matt. “We thank Jemma so much for taking on the role and getting playgroup started in Raywood.”
Jemma was nominated as a Playgroup Champion and speaking to locals, it is clear why.
“Jemma is an amazing human being, she really is,” said volunteer librarian Amanda.
“I think what she has done for this town it’s just incredible, really incredible.”
Amanda talks about the train station now operating, the silos that are going to be painted and the post office which houses items which people donate like plants, food and the likes.
“Amazing- amazing atmosphere,” she said of the local community.
As the mobile library was no longer able to come, the community got together and donated books. The library room in the front of the hall is open on playgroup mornings so people can get together, have a cuppa and a chat while they borrow.
“The kids borrow books as they come through too, that’s why we’ve got a children’s library out the front. I love it- it’s just marvellous.”
The playgroup runs on Monday mornings and Jemma said that it is such a nice way to start the week. As the weekend draws to a close, they look forward to starting on a positive note, catching up with other families and easing into the week.
What is it about this place that Jemma loves?
“The space,” she laughs. “The laid-back side of things, nothing’s too serious, it’s just casual.” Looking outside she continues, “The space, the serenity, the sounds of birds, nature, that side of things- I like to bring the nature side of things into playgroup.”
Jemma said that she likes to take the playgroup out to explore the area.
The playgroup has visited the collection of rock paintings that continue to burgeon with popularity. A local resident Suzanne took it upon herself to brighten the days of others by placing the rocks around town, with a quote on the bottom and an artwork on the top- the idea being that they lift spirits, lighten the load, send a message to locals that they are never alone and are cared for.
“I just started doing it to brighten people’s day. During Covid, people were getting quite down, and this was a small thing to remind them that they matter,” said Suzanne.
The kids look for the rocks around town and some are eager to add to the collection with creations of their own.
Jemma said that there is a buoyancy and growth coming off the back of Covid, with new families coming to the area. Grandparents and Dads come along to playgroup.
“It’s nice to bring the dads and make them feel that it isn’t just a mums group,” said Jemma.
At playgroup, they are watching the growth of the kids, taking note of what they are interested in.
Some children are happily painting in colourful smocks. Some rummage through a box of toys, inspecting the contents. Others are out in the backyard climbing over the obstacles and playing on the equipment. Others stay close by Mum and Dad’s side while they catch up with the local news.
They stick together and help out here at the playgroup. If someone is sick, there is someone else who will pitch in. Matt, who drives out to work in the mines, prioritises spending quality time with the kids. He comes to playgroup as often as he can and often stays home with the kids which gives Jemma a chance to set-up with new activities before playgroup begins for the week. “I can set up and not have the kids make a mess as I do it-so it looks like I’ve set up and not just made a mess,” she laughs.
It’s things like being closer to family, to siblings and parents. To know people and forge connections. To have a support network and feel a sense of belonging in the community. To afford a house with space. To enjoy fresh air and have the room for a big garden, places for kids to run and explore. These are the things to love in Raywood.
“People want to be in the country,” said Jemma.
“It’s a hard thing not to go back to [a childhood in the country],” said Matt.
Looking back, no doubt the kids at this playgroup will agree.
Article by Sinead Halliday
Photography by Mylie Nauendorf and Sinead Halliday
