A Haven of Connection: Intergenerational Playgroup Thrives in Adelaide’s North
Tears well up in Aunty Doreen’s eyes, yet a radiant smile graces her face as she watches the children’s boisterous play. She is one of the esteemed Elders hosting the inaugural birthday celebration for a unique intergenerational playgroup, a heartwarming initiative bringing together children, their parents, and carers at the Aboriginal Elders Village in Adelaide’s northern suburbs.
“Marra Elders Playgroup is all about connection – connection to family, connection to Country, and connection to culture,” explained village manager Ingrid Coad.
Coad elaborated on the profound impact of the program: “A lot of our residents, our ‘rezzies’, don’t have family nearby, or their families live far away, often up in the APY Lands. This playgroup provides them with the joy of interacting with children as if they were their own grandchildren. It fosters communication, encourages conversation amongst everyone, and even provides opportunities to speak in language.”
The Aboriginal Elders Village, located in Davoren Park, stands as Adelaide’s sole Indigenous-specific aged care facility, currently housing 20 residents with a capacity for up to 30. The atmosphere when the children arrive for their one-hour, fortnightly sessions is electric with palpable joy, a sentiment shared by every Elder, carer, child, parent, and staff member present.
During these vibrant sessions, Playgroup SA facilitator Sophie Robinson leads the children in song, with Aunty Kantyupai Robin, affectionately known as Nanna K, echoing the tunes in Pitjantjatjara. Nanna K, originally from Fregon in the APY Lands, shared that she first learned these songs during her time as a teacher.
This enriching playgroup, a collaborative effort between Aboriginal Community Services, Playgroup SA, and the local cultural hub Marra Dreaming, provides a platform for Elders and children to engage in a variety of activities. These include painting, cooking, captivating storytelling, music-making, and traditional weaving.
The fun often begins well before the children’s arrival, with the Elders actively participating in preparing materials like play-dough and crafting clay animals destined for colourful painting. “We usually make damper together – that’s Nanna K’s specialty,” Ms. Coad revealed with a chuckle.
As the celebration progresses, Ms. Robinson leads a rendition of “Happy Birthday,” shares a specially written storybook, and then the delighted children enthusiastically blow out a candle atop a tray of cupcakes, before sharing the sweet treats with the Elders.
Adding to the festive spirit, Betty, who is nearing her 92nd birthday, skillfully plays the Adelaide Crows theme song on her harmonica. She confided that her favourite player is none other than Tex Walker. Betty’s daughter, Raylene Snow, a founding member of Marra Dreaming, described the experience as “just a beautiful experience.”
She added, “It’s not just for the children, but for all the adults as well. This playgroup is a creative space where connections can flourish across generations in a positive way – it’s truly wonderful to witness.”
Ms. Coad highlighted the significant growth the playgroup has experienced in its inaugural year. “The children are learning so much from the Elders, and they’re no longer hesitant to approach the grannies, sit on their laps, and have stories read to them – it’s genuine bonding. Many of our residents are in wheelchairs or mobility chairs and cannot easily leave the village, so bringing the children here makes perfect sense.”
Craig Bradbrook, CEO of Playgroup SA, who often joins the sessions with his guitar to enthusiastically perform “Danny Boy,” noted the burgeoning popularity of intergenerational playgroups in recent years. This trend is largely attributed to the well-documented, positive impacts on children, older individuals, and the broader community.
“Programs like this create invaluable opportunities for children to connect not only with their parents and carers but also with older generations who bring a wealth of warmth, encouragement, and invaluable life experience to the table,” Bradbrook stated.
Key Benefits of the Marra Elders Playgroup:
- Enhanced Social Connection: Bridges the gap between generations, combating isolation for Elders and fostering social skills in children.
- Cultural Transmission: Provides a platform for Elders to share Indigenous languages, stories, and cultural practices with younger generations.
- Improved Well-being: Offers a stimulating and joyful environment that positively impacts the mental and emotional health of both children and Elders.
- Developmental Opportunities: Supports cognitive, social, and emotional development in children through play-based learning and interaction.
- Community Building: Strengthens community bonds by bringing together diverse groups for shared experiences and mutual support.
The success of the Marra Elders Playgroup serves as a powerful testament to the enduring value of intergenerational connection and the profound impact such initiatives can have on individuals and communities alike. It’s a space where laughter echoes, stories are shared, and bonds are forged, creating a vibrant tapestry of shared experiences.
