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"Playgroup saved me. Although I know that sounds really dramatic, I actually feel it’s really true."

In Conversation with Naomi Jeffree – Playgroup Facilitator and Training Coordinator

In our final episode of season one, we speak with our wonderful colleague and playgroup expert, Naomi Jeffree.

Naomi has been working with families for over twenty years and her work within playgroups has focused heavily on families whose children have different abilities and needs.

In this conversation, Naomi discusses the way playgroups can give people a profound sense of belonging, can change children’s lives for the better and which, above all else, emphasise fun and joy. She also reflects on the fact that because playgroups are so varied, there is really no such thing as typical “playgroup mum”.

About Our Guest

Naomi Jeffree has dedicated more than 20 years of her professional life to working with families. Today she is a facilitator, training coordinator, community leader and, most importantly, the proud mum of two boys.

• Read the story of a PlayConnect+ playgroup facilitated by Naomi.

Show Links

• Website: For the Love of Play
• Listen to all episodes: Buzzsprout
• Follow us on Instagram: @fortheloveofplaypodcast

Learn More About Playgroup Victoria

• Website: playgroup.org.au
• Instagram: @playgroupvicofficial
• Facebook: Playgroup Victoria
• LinkedIn: Playgroup Victoria

Episode Credits

Hosted by Mylie Nauendorf and Sinead Halliday.

Interview conducted by Sinead Halliday.

Edited by Jonathan Rivett.

Mastering by James North Productions.

Music by Selina Byrne.

And thanks to our little friends Toby and Adelaide for voicing the intro.

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"That’s a really powerful thing... for people to have almost an oasis from the chaos of their lives to come and spend time at a sports club.”

In Conversation with Paul Kennedy – Journalist, Author and TV Presenter

Content Warning: this episode references child abuse. Please take care of yourself when listening and, if necessary, skip the interview between 39:10 and 42:00.

While Paul is well known as the former ABC mornings sports reporter, his books and documentaries shed more light on who he is and what he cares about. In this episode we talk about his writing, his love of sport and his discovery of creativity as an outlet.

The conversation also explores the importance of family and how community institutions like sporting clubs can connect us, providing support, purpose and sometimes even a sanctuary from the challenges of life.

Paul talks about why role models matter, the importance of encouragement during childhood and how one person can have a profound influence on their community - and society at large.

About Our Guest

A promising footballer in his youth, Paul pursued his love of sport and writing to become a journalist, eventually spending more than a decade as ABC TV’s morning sport reporter. His journalism has also taken the form of books and documentaries, and his beautifully honest memoir, Funkytown, is a rite-of-passage story, focusing on his teenage years in the Melbourne suburb of Seaford.

• Read Paul’s bio on the ABC website.
• Read Paul’s Penguin Books profile.

Show Links

• Website: For the Love of Play
• Listen to all episodes: Buzzsprout
• Follow us on Instagram: @fortheloveofplaypodcast

Learn More About Playgroup Victoria

• Website: playgroup.org.au
• Instagram: @playgroupvicofficial
• Facebook: Playgroup Victoria
• LinkedIn: Playgroup Victoria

Episode Credits

Hosted by Mylie Nauendorf and Sinead Halliday.

Interview conducted by Sinead Halliday.

Edited by Jonathan Rivett.

Mastering by James North Productions.

Music by Selina Byrne.

And thanks to our little friends Toby and Adelaide for voicing the intro.

Enjoyed This Episode?

Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a conversation. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with friends and family.

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"Play is the most important learning vehicle of life..."

In Conversation with Emma Watkins – Children’s Entertainer, Singer, Dancer and Author

In this episode, we speak with beloved children’s entertainer, Emma Watkins, better known as the Yellow Wiggle and Emma Memma.

We discuss play as a vehicle for early learning and talk in depth about Emma’s passion for visual communication and her endeavour to create interactive spaces that connect us through dance, movement and Auslan.

We ask Emma about her experience with the Wiggles and her love of performance, but we also learn more about her life outside her characters and costumes.

A quick heads up: We recorded this interview over Zoom, and you'll notice the audio has a few minor blips.

About Our Guest

Emma Watkins, who rose to international stardom as the Yellow Wiggle, is a dancer, filmmaker and a passionate Auslan advocate. Her work and performances shine a light on accessibility in visual communicative.

• www.emmawatkins.com
• www.emmamemma.com
• View Emma Memma’s YouTube channel.

Show Links

• Website: For the Love of Play
• Listen to all episodes: Buzzsprout
• Follow us on Instagram: @fortheloveofplaypodcast

Learn More About Playgroup Victoria

• Website: playgroup.org.au
• Instagram: @playgroupvicofficial
• Facebook: Playgroup Victoria
• LinkedIn: Playgroup Victoria

Episode Credits

Hosted by Mylie Nauendorf and Sinead Halliday.

Interview conducted by Sinead Halliday.

Edited by Jonathan Rivett.

Mastering by James North Productions.

Music by Selina Byrne.

And thanks to our little friends Toby and Adelaide for voicing the intro.

Enjoyed This Episode?

Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a conversation. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with friends and family.

Support the show