Page 8 - BOL Nov 21 Edition

Play Group In Mango Hill Hall:

From Day 1 & Continues Into 2022

For a small community “out in the sticks” as the Mango Hill Village was viewed,
the priority for our “new” Hall would be for local residents to come together
with an emphasis on families. Early in 1988, the Hall welcomed the first Sunday
School which ran for 25 years, the first “Slimmers Club” (18 years) and the first
“Weekly Play Group”.

This Play Group, organized by local mums met on Wednesdays to provide an
outlet for young children and their Mums (a few Dads along the way) without
needing to travel out of the village to Kippa-ring or Kallangur.

For the past 33 years, Mango Hill Playgroup has held onto Wednesday mornings
as “their right of use” and they continue to this day in the form of the current
“Busy Bees” Playgroup”. The play group has been organised by parents
passing the baton from one “generation” to another, and which over this period,
has given many hundreds of young Mango Hill Kids an opportunity for social
interaction, fun and learning. At the same time, it provided young parents with
the opportunity to meet and socialise as their young charges played in a safe
and carefree environment.

BUSY BEES PLAYGROUP!

One such Organizer is Alexis Stephenson. This is Alexis’s memory of the Mango HIll Community Centre History.

Eight years ago, I walked into the Mango Hill Community Centre for the first time. I was looking for a playgroup to attend with my only
child, so that he had a chance to play and socialise with some kids his age. Despite being nervous at the prospect of walking into a group
of strangers, the other mums at the playgroup immediately put me at ease with their kindness and inclusivity. I came back every week to
meet up with a fantastic group of parents and children from that day on.

Fast forward to the present day, and I am looking back at my time
at playgroup after two more children and filling the role of the
coordinator for the last four years.

The hall has always been a great space to host playgroup. It has a
cupboard full of toys and craft materials to occupy the children, as
well as child safety locks on all the gates to allow the children to
play safely, all the while giving parents the opportunity to chat over
a coffee.

What makes this playgroup so unique though, is the sense
of community, not only within the playgroup itself but in the
Mango Hill Community as a whole. Coming from a neighbouring
suburb, I have been impressed by the dedication of the Progress
Committee in advancing the suburb and fostering such an inclusive
neighbourhood. From the Skate nights and Christmas tree celebrations to always being there to help, their support and hard work are
always appreciated.

Finally, this playgroup would be nothing without the fantastic group of parents. We have had so
much fun, laughter and friendship. I am privileged to have been able to meet you all and watch your
children learn and grow.

As I finish my last term at playgroup before my youngest child heads to Kindergarten, I feel so
grateful to have found this playgroup which has been such a significant part of our lives.

Whilst in 2022 I will be passing on the “Baton” to the next group of mums and children and
wish them every success and enjoyment, I am happy to provide information on this wonderful
group that meets in the Mango HIll Community Centre each Wednesday during term.

Alexis Stephensen
0406 990 956
alexis.stephenson@gmail.com