A row of big sunflowers the size of wide brim hats can be seen as we make our way down the tree lined drive. On either side of the road are paddocks dotted with gumtrees. Up above is a wide expanse of blue, with word that by afternoon, that will be replaced with clouds. Within earshot is the sound of children chatting and playing. Follow the winding path down and you will find Seedlings Playgroup in Wooragee, gathering together for the first time in some twelve months.

“It feels very healing to be out amongst people again,” said Sophie as she looks around at the hive of activity in the garden.

Some of the children here were born during the global pandemic. Some were just ready to play with others when the virus was at its most threatening and the State went into lockdown. Even in the outer reaches of regional and rural areas, isolation hit hard. The usual comings and goings of country life- the naturalness of interaction down the main street or at the school gate- were reduced. Yet, on this sunny morning as autumn dawns, there is a feeling of anticipation, celebration and hope for what it all means.

“This creates not only connection and play for the kids, it creates community around me and support- and also the parent bond,” said Sophie who lives close by with her family.

Wooragee Seedlings is located at the local primary school, the centre-meeting place in an area that is without any streetscape or shops.

Many of the families travel from nearby Yackandandah or Beechworth. Liana Sinclair has trundled up from Stanley with her son and daughter.

“It’s really nice. I have my core group of friends and my mothers group, but it is really nice to extend the opportunities for the kids and allow them to meet other families and other kids that they might possibly be going to school with, or seeing around town or at the park.”

“It’s nice to increase those connections and those links, especially post-Covid as much as possible.”

There are people new to the area, having seized the opportunity for a tree change in the transformative period of working from home. One family from Melbourne are enjoying the lifestyle, surprised by how much there is to do, including bike riding, gymnastics and regular storytimes at the local library.

“It’s been great. We’ve joined all the playgroups that we could find basically and my daughter started kinder this year. She is absolutely loving it. We’re very grateful to have the Seedlings Playgroup now so that I can do something with my son while my daughter is at kinder.”

Conversation between families flows freely as the kids move from playground to play mat, up to get a snack or down to examine the toys.

“I can see how it’s called Seedlings as they’ve got the beautiful veggies growing and the fresh fruit provided,” said one mother who moved from Sydney to the area during the pandemic.

She describes the change for her daughter as: “It’s been amazing. Profound.”

“I think it really aligns with what we have been wanting which is to get our daughter out more, into the outside world so she can pick up sticks, get in the sand and have a sensory experience, to feel what it’s like to be in nature.” 

Outside of the garden is a bush play area and as summer draws to a close, the children are encouraged to explore the space. Indeed during lunch breaks, the local school kids also make use of the area, exploring, using their imaginations, sharing experiences, making-up new games- playing.

That’s what is clear here at Wooragee, there is great room and space to play.

“It’s something that is a bit earthier, more connected to nature and a bit more free play,” said Sophie, who also has a child attending the school here.

Sophie arrived early at the playgroup to help set up and create unique play spaces alongside playgroup coordinator Claudia Keenan.

Claudia and Wooragee’s School Principal, Alicia Odewahn, have been thinking, planning and creating their vision for the playgroup for quite some time.

“We know just how formative and pivotal those years from 0-5 are,” said Alicia. “Alongside this, we know the extensive research which supports the need and urgency for children to have play, both supported and unstructured play opportunities and time in nature, the opportunity to observe, get dirty, experiment and problem solve.”

Alicia said that the school is passionate about creating an environment where children feel connected to the natural world and the environment, so that they can feel driven to act as caretakers and environmentally conscious citizens.

“If we are enabling these young people and supporting the development of pathways which build curiosity, a love of the outdoors, resilience and connection with others, the outcomes can only be positive.”

“I feel like the last two years have only further highlighted the need for socialisation and exploration in the early years, for children and their caregivers. Having opportunities to engage children with their wider community and circle has never been more important.”

Ladybug Music celebrated the reopening of Seedlings with songs and baskets overflowing with musical instruments, ribbons and clapping sticks that the children delighted in exploring. There was an Acknowledgement of Country to begin the gathering as the group spread out on the ground beneath the old gums.

One mum beamed, remarking how friendly people have been. She has loved to see her daughter have the social interaction.

“The experience for my daughter has been overwhelmingly positive.”

She said that the playgroup creates opportunities.

“For me personally, having moved somewhere else, I am looking for connections. It might not necessarily mean that everyone is going to become a close connection but the playgroup at least provides a nice environment to get to know people on different levels. Some of those might turn into deeper relationships and some of them might provide another opportunity to connect and have a chat.”

One mum with a two year old could not help but get emotional, her sons first outing to a playgroup.

“It’s been a really hard slog. I think now more than ever playgroups are going to become a hit again.”

“He has just loved it. Absolutely loved it. He’s calm, he has watched the other kids. Just watching him with another child- and the sandpit! It’s the first time he’s been in a sandpit. We’ve taken him to the beach but it must be a different feel, he wasn’t sure whether to touch or not touch.”

“It’s been mind-blowing for him. You can tell he’s in his pram already, exhausted. Too much stimuli but he’s just been mesmerised,” she said happily.

Principal Alicia has observed a change, as many young families have settled here and now call the region home. She said there has been a stronger need for the school to connect, creating a type of hub for families to gather, engage and interact.

“We want people to feel welcome here and to hopefully ensure the transition into school for our little seedlings, wherever they decide to go, is smoother because of the experience they have had.”

Sophie reflects on how the playgroup extends its reach out into other areas of their lives and creates a sense of belonging and familiarity.

“Creating community. Creating a community around this area between Yackandandah and Beechworth. I think for me, the great thing about it now, after the last two years, as parents we’ve spent so long at home with kids and the kids haven’t had a lot of socialisation outside families. It feels like a really lovely time to be out and connecting with people again, getting the kids to connect and make friends and feel like the world’s okay again.”

After much play and sensory excitement- in the cubby house, in the sandpit, running down the hilly incline, inspecting the veggie beds, feeling the grass and leaves, climbing on the playground, dancing to the music, lifting the rainbow parachute, experiencing the warmth of sun on their backs, the fresh air on their faces and the sight and chatter of potential new friends- the children were ready for a rest and the pack up began.

Playgroup is a multifaceted base for these families to build upon, where seeds grow and the new growth branches out into other areas.

Sometimes it is hard to conjure up the words for what makes a place feel more like home- feeling like you belong, that people care for you, and that there is support when you need it. Even if it is a simple hello and how are you, would you like a cup of coffee while your children can enjoy some time to play. These simple things are indeed part of the bigger tapestry of our lives. Giving our lives meaning. Providing us with a sense of belonging.

“You feel held, you feel supported, you feel a part of something rather than just your little family which is so important as a mother,” said Sophie.

“Today has been fabulous,” said Claudia with a big smile.

“Seeing families come together, especially when we haven’t been able to meet together and gather for such a long time now is wonderful. I think the children, certainly at first, were a little unsure, especially some of the younger ones, but by the end everyone was singing and dancing together.”

“It looks like the start of lots of beautiful friendships I think.”

Article by Sinead Halliday  

Discover more and connect with Wooragee Seedlings Playgroup here