Toy Libraries Australia

We’re thrilled to share that toy libraries are now reaching new communities in Papua New Guinea and Timor! Thanks to the incredible support of OMEP Australia and the generosity of toy libraries like Brisbane South Toy Library, children and families in these regions will soon have access to quality toys and playtime opportunities. The first toy library has been set up at Divine Word University’s Wewak campus in Papua New Guinea, where families can come and play. This is just the start, with more toy libraries set to open in other locations soon, spreading the joy of play even further! We’re so proud to see toy libraries making a difference in new parts of the world, creating safe spaces for children to learn and grow through play. You can read more about OMEP Australia’s visit to Brisbane South Toy Library and their plans for PNG and Timor here: https://lnkd.in/ga7Gu3fg #Earlychildhood #ToyLibrary #PapuaNewGuinea #Timor

Help make toy libraries an accessible space for all! 📣🌈 The Disability Access, Inclusion, and Support (DAIS) Program Team, here at TLA, are excited to be involved in research being undertaken by a team based at Western Sydney University to explore the barriers and facilitators to families using our community toy libraries. We’re now inviting toy library members caring for a child with a disability to join focus groups (in-person or online) led by the DAIS team along with the Western Sydney University research team. Your insights will shape how we can better support families. Participants selected will receive $50 for their time. Submit your expression of interest here: https://lnkd.in/gesbjNvn #disabilityinclusion #toylibrary #earlychildhood (Image description: Text reads, 'Help make toy libraries an accessible space for all! If you’re a toy library member caring for a child with a disability, Toy Libraries Australia wants to hear from you. We’re gathering expressions of interest for upcoming focus groups and would love for you to join the conversation.' Below the text is a photo of a smiling adult and child playing with a wooden toy, accompanied by blue paint splatter designs. Logos for the DAIS Program and Toy Libraries Australia are displayed at the bottom.)

With the Queensland election just around the corner on October 26th, we are thrilled to have the support of the Queensland Greens.⁠ ⁠ Their commitment to establishing more toy libraries across Queensland is an exciting opportunity for families and communities. With their backing, we hope to secure funding to establish 50 new toy libraries, create an annual grants program, and expand the Play Stars program to make play more accessible for all children.⁠ ⁠ We’re grateful to Amy MacMahon MP and Michael Berkman MP for standing with us to ensure that every child in Queensland has the opportunity to learn through play. This election is a pivotal moment, and we look forward to continuing our work together to support families and build stronger communities. 💚 #queenslandelection #toylibrary #earlychildhood ⁠ [Image description: Tweet style post from Toy Libraries Australia stating their excitement about the support of the Queensland Greens for establishing more toy libraries across Queensland. The tweet highlights the upcoming Queensland election on October 26th and mentions goals such as securing funding for 50 new toy libraries, creating an annual grants program, and expanding the Play Stars program for more accessible play opportunities for children. The background is a light and dark green gradient.]

We are excited to announce that Toy Libraries Australia has officially become a People and Planet First Verified Social Enterprise! 🌏 At Toy Libraries Australia, we exist to provide families with affordable access to quality toys, while reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Through our network of toy libraries, we ensure that children across Australia have the opportunity to learn through play, while their families save money and help protect our planet by borrowing instead of buying. By becoming People and Planet First verified, we are proud to be part of a global movement that prioritises people and our planet over profit. We reinvest the majority of our surplus back into our mission, ensuring that toy libraries continue to grow and support communities for years to come. Become part of the movement, become People and Planet First verified. https://lnkd.in/dQFQKm_H #peopleandplanetfirst #SEWF #toylibrariesaustralia [Image description: A child's hand placing a puzzle piece on a world map, with the text 'We are now a People + Planet First Verified Social Enterprise' and the People + Planet First logo in black. The Toy Libraries Australia logo is at the bottom with icons representing toys, sustainability, and community.]

Community, family, play, collaboration, passion. All words reflected by TLA National Development Manager, Louise Bell after attending the Boorloo/Perth face to face forum for the review of Best Practice in Early Childhood Intervention.

We are thrilled to see Cubby House Toy Library featured in The Sector - Early Education News! This article highlights the incredible work of our member libraries in promoting sustainable play and supporting local families. Here's to another five years of making a positive impact on children's development and environmental sustainability through play. 🌏💚 Read the full article to learn more about how toy libraries are fostering a culture of reuse and community connection: https://lnkd.in/ethqQdWd #sustainability #circulareconomy #earlychildhood

Did you know that Noah's Ark Australia was Australia's first toy library? In 1971, Noah's Ark Toy Library opened to support children with disabilities. From it's early days, Noah's Ark has grown into a virtual resource for families, providing not just toys but also a community of care and support. Learn more about the inspiring history of Noah’s Ark and how it laid the foundation for toy libraries across the country. Check out the video and website below to discover more about this incredible journey! 🌟 https://lnkd.in/gtGaRyGr #ToyLibrary #EarlyChildhood #DisabilitySupport

We’re thrilled to announce that Toy Libraries Australia has received a grant from the Australian Government through the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) - Social and Community Participation Grant Program. This 2-year program will support toy libraries in making their services even more accessible to families with disabilities. Special thanks to our new team members, Zoe Houstein, Michelle Loft, and Melanie Douglas, for leading this important work alongside Professor Christine Johnston. Learn more about this initiative on our blog: https://lnkd.in/g9NiPXYA #ToyLibraries #CommunitySupport #InclusivePlay

University of Melbourne, in collaboration with the Australian Government Department of Social Services, is leading a review of best practices in early childhood intervention. Starting next week, virtual consultations with families and carers will gather valuable insights to shape the future of early childhood support. Participants will receive a $50 gift voucher. See below for session details and registration. Your input is crucial—let’s make a difference together. https://lnkd.in/gTYtB2iW #earlychildhood #childrenwithdisabilities #familysupport

Last week, Toy Libraries Australia’s CEO, Debbie Williams, and board member Kerry Diminish, participated in the National Co-design Roundtable in Canberra. This meeting brought together community leaders from across the country to collaboratively shape the future of foundational support for children and their families, particularly those supported under the reformed NDIS. We remain hopeful that the ongoing Review of the NDIS and discussions like these will pave the way for a more inclusive and supportive system for all families. #NDIS #DisabilitySupport #AustralianFamilies