DUE to funding changes, Medowie Special Needs Playgroup had to close its doors at the end of Term 2, 2019.

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However, with the help of Tracy Ellem from Web Tech Plus Pty Ltd, a submission for a donation of $1700.00 from Medowie Lions was successful and the valuable local program has been rescued and can keep operating until the end of Term 4 2019.

This money will help cover the cost of two staff to facilitate, which gives parents and carers support around accessing services such as NDIS, Child Care, Therapies and peer support, and a worker who helps with any children who attend to play and develop many skills including to engage in social situations.

This is an essential service for Medowie as this regional town is isolated from other groups on offer.

Tracy, who is the facilitator for the group, fosters the group by being inclusive and celebrates diversity. Tracy told News of the Area, “Having a play helper means that parents and carers can step back and engage in some social interaction with other carers and parents while their child is kept safe and their learning about life is enriched through a play focused program. Our members consist of carers, children and families who often feel they don’t quite “fit in” the normal or mainstream service.”

Members come from various backgrounds and life experiences from being a young mum, foster carers, grandparents as parents, parents of children who have developmental conditions such as Autism Spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy and other medical chronic conditions such as Asthma and auto immune etc., while also supporting families new to the area or a non-English speaking background.

The group are also seeking new members, which runs for 8 weeks during the school term, to find out more please contact on the details below.

Tracy hopes to continue in 2020 and is busily applying for additional funding but is keen to hear from any other local business or services that can help our group continue into the future. If you are interested in knowing more, please contact Tracy on 0410 476 128 or email tracy@webtechplus.com.au

By Julie McKimm