Hi all

My name is Kym and I live in Borroloola. I have lived here for about 5 years and have a 3 and 2 yeear old. I have been trying to start up a playgroup/mothers group for a couple of weeks now, with no success. I was wondering if anyone coupd be of any assistance with ideas etc. It is hard in this town as there seems to be a lack of motivation in general. Iwas a teacher at the school before children, so know most people in town, but am still having not much success. My main motivation is so my kids can get some socialiation with other kids, and so I can get some female company, as my husband and I run a construction company here and I am surrounded by males all day every day.

Any ideas/assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Kym

Hi Kym, even though we've spoken on the phone i thought i'd reply on the forum for everybody else's benefit.
Congratulations to you for taking the initiative to start up your own playgroup- being in a small town you have a more realistic chance of making this happen than most K.I.C.S families who are generally geographically and socially isolated from their neighbours.
one of the keys to a successful playgroup is to hold it in neutral area of your town/community- such as an outdoor space, under a shady tree. This is generally the type of place we hold most K.I.C.S playgroups- try to avoid creches, women's centres etc- as strange as this sounds. i have found that most venues in a community/town will not be attended by some faction of the population (usually due to politics or family history).
Once you have a suitable venue, it is really a case of letting people know and being as consistent as possible.
As i mentioned i will bring you a copy of 'Biginini Play' which was provides all the info you'll need to start up a playgroup using simple resources from your own home.
If anyone else would like a copy of 'Biginini Play' please let me know.
Good luck with it Kym, and I look forward to meeting you at the next playgroup at Mallapunyah.