Jarjum Centre has a strong focus not only on our preschool and Early Childhood Learning but also on a child’s early years. We identified the gaps in our own community of Lismore for a playgroup that not only could provide families with the support and ‘know-how on ‘how to navigate their child’s early years (health, development, safety, learning and positive play) and family wellbeing; but also to have access to Allied Health Services, including Occupational and Speech Therapy and support with NDIS eligibility and assessments, and in a culturally safe way.
Jarjum Centre was given an awesome opportunity to developed and establish our own supported playgroup in Lismore called Jarjum Midjang Playgroup. The playgroup opened on 21 October 2024 and currently operates twice a week from Jarjum Midjang – A Trauma Informed Space and Sensory Play Centre. (If you would like more information about our playgroup or Sensory Play Centre, please see check out the links to Jarjum Midjang Playgroup and Jarjum Midjang: Sensory Play Centre.
Jarjum Centre is in a unique position to work with the local Indigenous Communities to establish their own playgroups. We engage with Community to help bring to life their vision for a playgroup; providing support with governance training and professional development training to ensure staff are well- equipped to coordinate and manage playgroup settings and to engage and provide their families with support, education and knowledge to help them navigate their little jarjum’s precious ‘early years’.
In addition to establishing Jarjum Midjang Playgroup, Jarjum Centre has helped established other playgroups throughout our local area, both in Coraki/Boxridge and Muli Muli Community, Woodenbong. (For information on these playgroups please check out the links to (see Swanettes ‘Ginibi’ Playgroup, Coraki/Boxridge and Bootherams Playgroup, Muli Muli Community, Woodenbong
A strong collaboration that was community-led and driven with a strong focus on ‘self-determination’.
Jarjum Centre supports communities to develop and implement their own Early Learning Strategy for increased self determination by using the lived experience and expertise of Community Members through genuine grassroots determination. We believe in empowering Communities through a Transformative Education approach. Our dream is to see all Aboriginal Communities thrive, regardless of location and demographics. We know that Communities know what works, Jarjum Centre can provide the How, and be the bridge builder to bring the Communities vision to pass.
If you and your community have a vision to establish a playgroup in your area and need some help to make your vision a reality; AND
If you and your community and have a strong focus on supporting families to enhance their knowledge about ‘early years and helping little Jarjums to reach their very best potential in health, development, safety, and learning and positive play; AND
IF you are interested and would like more information, please contact Jarjum Centre’s Director, Maurita Moran at Jarjum Centre, Goonellabah. Phone 02-56291182 or Email send us (see our Contact Page).
- Everything is interconnected, and everyone has knowledge that can collectively transform a community.
- Sometimes we need access to support, so we strive to make the road easier by placing all supports in one culturally safe space.
- Family, culture, and community are integral to belonging and wellbeing, so we work hard to keep connections strong
- Our Jarjums have the potential to individually change the world, so we have high expectations for children and staff
- Learning never ends, so when our little ones leave our early childhood program, we continue to be there through our homework hub, and youth volunteer programs.
- Our staff are committed to ongoing professional development and committed so we measure our outcomes through relevant tools to help us stay on task.
Early Childhood Program
Our program caters for children aged 2-5 years, and is developed by qualified educators who receive ongoing professional development.
Allied Health Team
Homework Hub
Family Worker
Jarjum Midjang Playgroup
Testimonials from Our Playgroup Coordinators
Swanettes “Ginibi” Supported Playgroup (Coraki-Boxridge)
As the Coordinator of the Swanettes “Ginibi” Playgroup I would like to share about the support and upskilling we have received from Jarjum Centre; from the moment our playgroup was developed approximately 2 and ½ years ago to current date. The genuine community engagement from Jarjum Centre and community involvement were some of the key factors to making our playgroup a success. The relationships between Jarjum Centre Staff and Swanettes “Ginibi” Playgroup that was built on trust and integrity and a genuine desire to help see another Aboriginal entity succeed.
A strong collaboration that was community-led and driven with a strong focus on ‘ self-determination’.
Jarjum Centre worked with community and supported us to help bring to life our vision for a playgroup. The vision that our Elders had back in 1968 which was “To create a culturally safe environment for mother’s, children, fathers, families and our Elders; to all come together to learn and grow”. “To create a future of respect, pride and self-determination” AND ‘To help create opportunities for employment, training and development within our Aboriginal Community’, is the same vision that we want to continue for generations to come.
Jarjum Center assisted in establishing our playgroup and the upskilling of staff to ensure that we were well-equipped to manage a playgroup and provide our families with ongoing support needed for their children’s early years.
Training provided: Governance training and capacity building; First Aid training, NSW Office of The Children’s Guardian, Child Safety Training, Mandatory Child Protection Training, Bullying and Harassment Training. Up and coming CERT 111 in Early Childhood.
Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy Assessment Tools Training. Our playgroup has access to Allied Health and are now taking referrals for children to be assessed for Occupational (OT) and Speech Therapy (ST); Our Playgroup also has access to the Jarjums Early Intervention Midjang Playgroup as needed. This supports our families and children with NDIS and transitioning to preschool, as required. We look forward to the ongoing support from Jarjum Centre, that would help sustain our playgroup and to help us achieve our future objective for self-determination.
Melanie Williams, Swanettes “Ginibi” Playgroup Coordinator
My daughter loves playgroup ever since she started going. She learnt a lot, she came out of her shell a lot more. She loves associating with other children, she loves playing and learning different things which is so good. I enjoy the playgroup as well, sitting and sharing with the other parents while watching our children enjoy it and getting along.
Bootherams Supported Playgroup (Muli-Muli Community)
As Coordinator of the Bootherams Playgroup I would like to acknowledge the support that Jarjum Centre has provided in making the community’s vision for a playgroup, a reality. Their initial engagement with community members, their knowledge and expertise to help establish our playgroup; and the ongoing support to the staff has been invaluable, and has been widely welcomed by the families and community. Jarjum Center provided the necessary training to help establish our supported playgroup as well as providing ongoing training to ensure that staff are well equipped to manage the playgroup and to provide families with current and up-to-information and knowledge to help them achieve positive outcomes for their children.
Training provided: Governance training and capacity building; First Aid training, NSW Office of The Children’s Guardian, Child Safety Training, Mandatory Child Protection Training, Bullying and Harassment Training. Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy Assessment Tools Training.
Administrative support. We currently have two staff members, myself and an Educator, Nancy. We are both fully trained with Nancy holding a CERT 111 in Early Childcare Education. I hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education.
Our supported playgroup is thriving. We have an Occupational therapist Specialist who regularly visits. The families have been incredibly grateful for the support they receive through the Bootherams Playgroup. As a worker the Bootherams Playgroup has been a wonderful resource, providing not only a safe enriching environment for our little one to interact with peer but also offering a welcoming space for us as parents to share experiences and advice. Most importantly, the playgroup has become a place where the children feel confident and happy and where built lasting friendships with other parents who understand the challenges and joys of raising young children.
We are incredibly proud of the ongoing success of the Bootherams playgroup. We currently have between 7 to 13 children attending regularly. The playgroup has provided a vital space for both children and families to grow, learn and connect supported environment. Through a range of activities including arts and crafts, Father’s Day celebrations, cooking seasons, story time and educational plays such as puzzles, colouring matching, the children are in encourage to explore, create and develop new skills.
We also offer morning tea and lunch for families. Ensuring that each child feels cared for and support throughout the day. One of the highlights of our playgroup is the specialised support we’ve been provide. Seven children have successfully been referred to the Occupational therapist and speech therapist, who visit us every fortnight to work directly with the children alongside our amazing team at the Muli Muli Health Post Centre.Additionally, we’ve been in touch with Australian Hearing Team, and we’re excited to have them visit next for ongoing testing and assessments, which will further support referrals as needed.
The Bootherams Playgroup has become more than just and early leaning space, it’s a strong, connected community where children and parents alike feel valued and supported. We are proud that the work we’re doing to foster the development and wellbeing of our younger ones, and we look forward to continuing this important work in the future.
Ursula Leisha, Bootherams Playgroup Coordinator
