A unique intergenerational playgroup bringing together Aboriginal Elders and young children inside an aged care setting has marked its first anniversary, highlighting the power of connection, culture and community during National Reconciliation Week.
The Marra Elders Playgroup, hosted at the Aboriginal Elders Village in Davoren Park, South Australia, is believed to be the state’s only regular First Nations intergenerational playgroup operating within an aged care environment.
Since launching during National Reconciliation Week in 2025, the fortnightly program has connected preschool-aged children, parents and carers with Aboriginal Elders ranging in age from their early 60s to their 90s. Through shared activities, storytelling, language and cultural experiences, the initiative has created meaningful relationships across generations.
To celebrate the milestone, participants gathered on May 29 to sing Happy Birthday and launch a new children’s picture book, It’s Playgroup Day!, written by Playgroup SA facilitator Sophie Robinson. The storybook features many of the Elders and children who regularly attend the sessions and captures the friendships and connections that have developed over the past year.
The playgroup is a collaboration between Aboriginal Community Services, Marra Dreaming and Playgroup SA. Held every fortnight, the 60-minute sessions include a range of hands-on activities designed to encourage interaction and cultural exchange.
Aboriginal Elders Village Manager Ingrid Coad said the playgroup had become a much-anticipated event for residents.
“Most of our Elders have family living far away, so having children regularly come into the village brings them that youthful energy and joy and a real sense of connection,” Ms Coad said.
She said residents often spend time preparing activities for the children ahead of each session.
“Our Elders will help make play-doh for the children and clay animals they can paint together and we usually make damper together. That’s Nanna K’s specialty.”
The benefits extend well beyond entertainment, according to Ms Coad.
“You can see the Elders love it. Their wellbeing improves through the social connection, the movement, creativity and a real sense of purpose.”
The program also reflects the important place Elders hold within Aboriginal culture.
Marra Dreaming founding member Raylene Snow, a descendant of the Stolen Generation, said the initiative provided valuable opportunities for younger and older generations to connect while challenging assumptions about ageing.
“In Aboriginal culture, Elders are deeply respected and valued for the knowledge and wisdom they carry,” Ms Snow said.
“This playgroup creates a creative space for those connections to happen across generations in a positive way. It’s wonderful to witness.”
Intergenerational programs have gained momentum across Australia as aged care providers increasingly recognise their potential to improve social connection, wellbeing and community engagement for older people.
Playgroup SA Chief Executive Officer Craig Bradbrook said such programs offered benefits for everyone involved.
“Programs like this create opportunities for children to connect not only with parents and carers, but also with older generations who bring warmth, encouragement and lived experience,” Mr Bradbrook said.
“Reconciliation is built through relationships and shared understanding, and this playgroup is a wonderful example of that happening in everyday life.”
The Aboriginal Elders Village, established more than 30 years ago by Aboriginal Community Services, is home to 20 Elders and provides culturally safe aged care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
As the Marra Elders Playgroup enters its second year, organisers hope it will continue strengthening connections between generations while demonstrating how aged care settings can play an active role in building stronger, more inclusive communities.
