Supporting families build community connections

Eco Explorers Australia can provide your service or local community with a supported/funded bush playgroup program with an experienced facilitator who understands the needs of vulnerable families and those with particular needs. Our supported bush playgroups are a welcoming and non-judgemental space where everyone feels valued and respected.

We focus on building positive and long-lasting community connections to support the wellbeing of families and supporting them in the early years to understand the importance of play and spending time outdoors. This in turn reduces the risk of isolation, depression and anxiety amongst our most vulnerable community members.

For children,our bush playgroups are a positive experience where each child is supported as an individual to build their confidence, resilience, and self-esteem through child-led sensory play, hands-on learning and activities that support their physical, social and emotional development.

 

Funded and supported bush playgroups

City of Whittlesea – Family Nature Club

Term 1 – Sth Morang/Mill park  -Tuesdays 

Term 2 – Donnybrook – Tuesdays

Mountain Men Inc. – ReWilding dads & kids

Term 1 – Belgrave Lake

Term 2 – Kalomara Park

Playing outdoors for some children and families doesn’t come naturally so our experienced team are there to support families to break down some of their barriers so that they not only learn about our rich flora and fauna, but also start to connect with nature in a deep and meaningful way. We have worked with many CALD communities to help them learn about our rich culture and connect them to country through songs, stories and activities.

Research clearly shows that spending time outdoors is good for our mental health and well-being and positive connections with children from a young age are crucial to their emotional wellbeing throughout life.

Supported bush playgroup enables families the opportunity to thrive outdoors, make new friends and connect with their local community and services.

The sessions run weekly during school terms, and we recommend a whole term which is usually 10 weeks. The sessions run for 2 hours per week.

Funding is organised by the service or organization and the bush playgroup is offered free of charge to the families that meet the criteria.

If you would like to find out more about our funded programs, then feel free to contact us via email here.

We have bush playgroup facilitators who have backgrounds in early childhood education, mental health, social work or similar so they understand the needs of vulnerable families.

 

Funded Programs  2024

 
Previous Funded programs we have run include: 
City of Whittlesea – Family Nature Club

Ran a 10-week nature play program for vulnerable families living within the City Of Whittlesea in 2019, 2020, 2021 and to continue in 2022

Yarra Ranges Council – Bush Kinder

Ran a 10 week Bush Kinder Kids program for vulnerable families living within the Yarra Ranges Council in 2019

Craig Family Centre, Ashburton – Bush Playgroup

Ran a 10 week program for the Craig Family Centre in 2020 and now in 2022