Reconciliation through play: First Nations inter-generational playgroup turns one

A one-of-a-kind intergenerational playgroup bringing together Aboriginal Elders and young children in Adelaide’s north is celebrating its first anniversary during National Reconciliation Week (May 27 – June 3). 

Held every fortnight since launching during Reconciliation Week in 2025, the Marra Elders Playgroup is hosted at the Aboriginal Elders Village, in Davoren Park, and is a collaboration between Aboriginal Community Services, Marra Dreaming and Playgroup SA. 

Believed to be the only regular First Nations intergenerational playgroup held within an aged care setting in South Australia, the 60-minute playgroup creates a space where 

Elders and children share language, stories, culture, creativity and connection. 

To mark the milestone, the playgroup will also launch the storybook, “It’s Playgroup Day!”,  written by the group’s facilitator from Playgroup SA, Sophie Robinson. The book features the children and Elders who attend the sessions and captures the spirit of the heart-warming relationships built over the past year. 

The Elders involved in the playgroup range in age from their early 60s to their 90s and come from communities across South Australia and interstate. 

Aboriginal Elders Village Manager Ingrid Coad said the Elders really looked forward to playgroup day and spent the week leading up to it preparing for the children’s arrival. 

“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,” Mrs Coad said. “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,” Mrs Coad said. 

“You can see the Elders love it – their wellbeing improves through the social connection, the movement, creativity and a real sense of purpose,” she said. 

Marra Dreaming founding member Raylene Snow, a descendent of the Stolen Generation, said the playgroup reflected the important role of Elders within Aboriginal culture and helped challenge broader community perceptions around ageing. 

“In Aboriginal culture, Elders are deeply respected and valued for the knowledge and wisdom they carry,” she said. 

“This playgroup creates a creative space for those connections to happen across generations in a positive way – it’s wonderful to witness.” 

Playgroup SA CEO Craig Bradbrook said intergenerational playgroups had grown significantly across South Australia in recent years because of the proven benefits for children, older people and communities. 

“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 was established by Aboriginal Community Services more than 30 years ago and is home to 20 Elders. Owned and operated by Aboriginal Community Services, the Village provides culturally safe and compassionate care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

For more information visit: https://aboriginalcs.org.au/residential-aged-care/.