A group of women from across Brimbank recently completed their playgroup leader course and are ready to get out into the community. 69795 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
BY NATALIE GALLENTI
MOTHERS from across Brimbank’s multicultural spectrum recently completed a six-week playgroup leader training course and are ready to take on caring for kids across the city.
Fifteen Brimbank mothers that completed the training course were presented with their certificates last week at West Sunshine Community Centre by Brimbank Council chief administrator Peter Lewinsky, and Playgroup Victoria CEO Vivienne Cunningham-Smith.
The course was aimed at mothers from non-English speaking backgrounds and it’s the second time it’s been run.
Mr Lewinsky told the graduates that having mums from all different walks of life including Vietnamese, Indian, Filipino, Chinese and Burmese as community leaders and teachers was a reflection of Brimbank’s multicultural make-up.
“In some ways, it’s the most important level as you are helping to educate the future leaders of our society,” Mr Lewinsky said.
“Some people might laugh at this suggestion but it’s worth remembering that the first woman premier of Victoria, Joan Kirner, started out as a volunteer at her children’s school.”
Mr Lewinsky said he was particularly impressed that a grandmother had also completed the course.
He said three participants had shown such dedication that they only broke their fast for Ramadan the night before and would normally be celebrating with family and friends, but instead were receiving their certificates.
Statistics from Brimbank Council revealed that only three years ago Brimbank was home to 41 playgroups, now, following the appointment of the playgroup development officers, the number has jumped to 80.
