Q: Is the Newtown Playgroup on Ruthven venue available for party hire?
A: Sorry, our venue is no longer available for public party hire.
Q. Is Newtown Playgroup on Ruthven funded or resourced by the council?
A. We are a not-for-profit incorporated body that leases our centre from City of Greater Geelong.
Q. Do you have an admin office?
A. We are run by parent volunteers, and happy to answer any questions during a playgroup session, you can contact us at [email protected] and keep up to date by following us on Facebook.
Q. Are you affiliated with a church or externally funded in some way?
A. We are not affiliated with a church or any other venue and cover our costs through membership fees. We also do fundraising activities and apply for grants when available. If you would like to support our fundraising efforts, chat to a committee member or join the committee to support purchasing new toys and equipment.
Q. How do I join?
A. It's very simple. If we have availability, we organise a free trial session for you as we want you to be happy. Then you simply complete an enrolment form, pay your fee and supply your Playgroup Victoria membership number. Jump over to the 'Join Us' page and fill in the contact form to get started.
Q: How much are your fees?
A: You can choose to pay for the year upfront or pay by the semester. The cost for a full year upfront is $160 ($144 for concession card holders) and a pro rata fee applies if you join part way through the year. Our fees cover the entire family (including any additional carers, such as grandparents, aunties and uncles, or therapists). We also require all members to have a Playgroup Victoria Family Membership (which is now FREE!).
Q. Why do I also have to join Playgroup Victoria?
A. The "Family Membership" package with Playgroup Victoria includes inexpensive public liability insurance, which is mandatory under our rental license and a condition of joining the playgroup. Hundreds of playgroups around the state use this model.
Q. Are there any paid staff?
A. Our committee is run entirely by parent volunteer members, the same members who enjoy the playgroup sessions. You're welcome to attend the committee meetings and get involved to share the load, have a say about what toys and extra events we can run to engage with our NPG community.
Q. How long has NPG been running?
A. NPG was incorporated in 2000.
Q. Can I leave my child (like daycare)?
A. No. Playgroups like ours are hosted by the parents themselves and allow you and you children to make friends, play and socialise in a safe environment together.
Q. Is there a set format to the sessions?
A. The members of a session might like to follow a format, but it's totally up to you. One session might have some kids inside and some outside, another might structure things so there's indoor time | outdoor time | snack time etc. It's really up to you.
Q. What about refreshments?
A. Bring what you need. There is a coffee machine and kettle for adults to make a warm drink and a small amount of storage for tea bags and non-perishables. There is also a small fridge and microwave.