Playgroup NSW Inc.

Zones

Currently Playgroup NSW has around 1100 affiliated Playgroups. The voluntary nature of the Board of Management of Playgroup NSW makes the role of the Zone a vital one.

The formation of Zones was considered necessary because the workload on the Association’s office bearers had increased to such an extent that it became impossible for them to maintain a normal family life, as well as to carry out all the duties necessary for the smooth running of Playgroup NSW.

Zones were first established in 1973, when the number of affiliated Playgroups was around 100. Zones consist of 4 or more Playgroups in a geographical area. To date there are 50 Zones throughout the State. With the assistance of enthusiastic Committee members, these Zones have developed the aims of Playgroup and increased communication between Playgroups and their local communities. Their role has expanded according to the needs of the Playgroups in their area.

What is the role of a Zone?

The role of a Zone is to maintain a support network to playgroups by providing opportunities for members of playgroups to interact, share, and learn together.
Zone volunteers are often experienced in running playgroups and can offer practical advice and assistance.
Zones also provide the vital link between the individual playgroups and Playgroup NSW.
As well, Zones liaise closely with the local community to increase the awareness of Playgroup aims and benefits.

Who administers the Zone?

A Zone Committee, whose members belong to playgroups in the Zone area look after the affairs of the Zone.
They have knowledge about the local community and the resources available.
Zones operate in a similar way to Playgroups. A committee is elected to take on various responsibilities; however, decision-making is the responsibility of all members of the Zone. This is why it is important to have at least one delegate from each playgroup attend meetings so the Committee is not left to make decisions on their own without input from a majority of playgroups.

Who can go to Zone meetings?

Any member of Playgroup NSW who attends a playgroup in that Zone area can attend and participate in the Zone meetings and contribute to decision-making.

What does a Zone do?

Zones support member playgroups by carrying out all/some of the following;

the establishment of new playgroups
refer new members to playgroups
support playgroup committees
address issues relevant to their local community. Because of this local knowledge the Zone Committee can assist playgroups more effectively than an Association representative could.
Guest speakers from the community can be invited to talk at Zone meetings about local issues, facilities, etc.
Zone activities – many large-scale activities can be arranged at a Zone level. These activities may not be possible for individual Playgroups to arrange e.g. Fun Days, Concerts, etc.
The exchange of ideas can be organised through workshops, networking days etc. Playgroup NSW Regional Development Consultants are available for training and assisting zone committees.
Zones have the opportunity to operate their own resource centres and toy libraries.
Zones that distribute a newsletter to their members provide a very effective means of communicating Playgroup issues at all levels.

It is important to remember that each Zone can vary in its functions according to the wishes of the members and the local community.