Pacific Island playgroup celebrated Tonga language week on Monday, August 18 at Broadmeadows Community Hub with Tongan food, song and dance.
The community playgroup for children and families with Pasifika heritage was started by Greens Northern Metropolitan MP Anasina Gray-Barberio and is led by a team of volunteering Pasifika mums dedicated to ensuring their children grow up with a rich understanding of their Tongan identity and heritage.
“The playgroup is made up of volunteers, everyone chips in,” Ms Gray-Barberio said.
“The credit goes to the mums. Often pacific islanders are stigmatised – this early childhood intervention is crucial for their success.”
But the playgroup is concerned for its future at Broadmeadows Community Hub amid ongoing discussions about the future operation of the hub.
“This is one of the few places in all of Hume that has indoor and outdoor spaces for playgroups. We really hope the council takes us into consideration and ensures the space is still here for us,” Ms Gray-Barberio said.
The only playgroup of its kind in northern Melbourne, regulars said it’s important to the cultural identity and sense of belonging for the children and families who attend.
Volunteering mum Mava Tuitupou has been attending the playgroup with her children since its start and said “it’s been great coming along. I didn’t realise I needed a place as much as this”.
“It’s been really positive. I get to bring my kids to be with others like them – to learn about our culture. It can be tough growing up in Australia and trying to connect to your Tongan roots,” she said.
The playgroup is hosted at Broadmeadows Community Hub every Monday, between 9.30 and 11.30am and invites families from all backgrounds to join in on the fun.
Find out more on Instagram: @pacificislandplaygroup
