Kids back at play

It is hard to decide who is happier about the return of Toybox to the Upper Hunter, the kids, the parents or the staff?

Coordinator Kimberley Vincin says the covid closure during term two was difficult on everybody and she is very pleased to see the children playing, laughing and socialising once again.

Toybox is a mobile playgroup program for 0 to six-year-olds facilitated through Upper Hunter Community Services and aims to provide a playgroup/preschool environment for rural families.

For some families, this social interaction is the only chance they have to get away from the routine of living on the farm. 

While the parents can have a catch up, the kids have the opportunity to play with a diverse range of toys and Kimberley’s advice is for kids not to wear their ‘good’ clothes.

“We do lots of messy crafts so kids should definitely wear their old clothes,” she said.

Kimberley said there has been a few changes to the venue calendar as schools continue to adhere to covid rules restricting visits.

“We are not visiting Sandy Hollow, Martindale or Ellerston for the foreseeable future and have added Fridays to our calendar,” Kimberley said.

“You may like to try another venue for now (Sandy and Martindale could try Wybong while Ellerston families could attend Moonan,” she said.

Toybox will be the following venues over the next fortnight.

Cassilis on August 14 and 28.

Jerrys Plains on August 17.

Moonan on August 18.

Bunnan on August 19.

Settlement on August 20.

Wingen on August 21.

McCullys Gap on August 24.

Wybong on August 25.

Gundy on August 26.

Hebden on August 27.

For further information call 6543 4877 or email toybox@uhcs.org.au