Centacare senior community worker Lena Mabbs was pleased with the engagement of children, parents and local services that made the event successful. 

The event was organised by Centacare and Playgroup Queensland. 

“It was good to see a lot of parents dressed their kids up for the theme. 

“We’re trying to promote children to aspire to careers.” 

There are two Mega Playgroups held in Mount Isa a year. The first is in March and the second is normally in October. 

This year the playgroup was brought back to September to be timed with Child Protection Week. 

Education Queensland also launched its 2017 School Readiness Poster, and Centacare’s Home Interaction Program (HIPPY). 

HIPPY representatives held a cake cutting ceremony to celebrate its program. 

There were 30 services present at the playgroup including four schools.  

Daycare centres also brought out students who would attend prep next year. 

Ms Mabbs said there a lot more information for parents at this Mega Playgroup compared to previous events. 

Ms Mabbs was still tallying the attendance numbers but said it was above 300 children and parents.

It was likely to match the numbers of previous Mega Playgroups, which was approximately 420. 

Central State School’s acting principal Andrea Whelan said it was the first year that primary schools had been involved with the playgroup. 

“It’s one avenue to give parents the opportunity to come and meet different organisations that work in the early years environment and with schools.

“It gives parents a little understanding of what Prep is about.” 

Ms Whelan said schools were also having open days to let parents and soon-to-be students see the classrooms and understand what happens in Prep. 

“We also discuss the curriculum with them, the importance of reading to them (children) at home,” she said. 

Similiar information was provided at the play group but more “generalised”.