As part of the annual National Playgroup Week, Community Services Minister Robyn McSweeney will attend a playgroup event held at Parliament House on March 19 to promote and celebrate the important role playgroups play in our communities.

The event is one of many activities taking place throughout Western Australia from

March 22 to 28, with the theme ‘Playgroup, Bringing Families Together’.

“The skills that children learn through playgroups - trying out new ideas, practising and perfecting skills, learning rules, developing friendships and having fun - lay the foundation for strong, healthy adults. These adults are the key to a healthy community,” Mrs McSweeney said.

As part of its role in helping to build strong, vibrant communities, the Department for Communities funds Playgroup WA $144,000 each year.

More than 550 playgroups provided support and development activities for more than 22,000 Western Australian children and 16,000 families in 2008.