A Unique Intergenerational Playgroup Brings Joy and Connection
Tears glisten in Aunty Doreen’s eyes, but there is a beaming smile on her face, too, as she watches the children at play around her. She is among the Elders hosting the first birthday celebration for a one-of-a-kind intergenerational playgroup for children, their parents and carers at the Aboriginal Elders Village in Adelaide’s north.
“Marra Elders Playgroup is connection to family, it’s connection to Country and culture,” said the village manager, Ingrid Coad. “
A lot of our rezzies (residents) don’t have family, or the families are far away up in the APY Lands. So it’s like playing with their grandchildren – it’s about communication, talking amongst each other, and talking in language.”
The village, located in Davoren Park, is Adelaide’s only Indigenous-specific aged care facility. It currently has 20 residents and a capacity of up to 30. When the children arrive for the one-hour fortnightly session, the joy in the air is palpable, and the entire room of Elders, carers, children, parents and staff smile broadly.
Playgroup SA facilitator Sophie Robinson sings songs to the children, and Aunty Kantyupai Robin, known as Nanna K, repeats them in Pitjantjatjara. 
She is from Fregon in the APY Lands and says she learned to sing the songs when she was a teacher.
The playgroup, run in collaboration with Aboriginal Community Services, Playgroup SA and local cultural community centre Marra Dreaming, brings together Elders and children for painting, cooking, storytelling, music and weaving activities. The fun starts long before the children arrive, with the Elders helping make play-dough and clay animals that can be painted.
“We usually make damper together – that’s Nanna K’s specialty,” Ms Coad said. Ms Robinson sings a round of happy birthday to the group, shares a storybook she wrote for the occasion and then the children happily blow out a candle on a tray of cupcakes before helping pass them around to the Elders. 
Betty, who is about to turn 92, fires up the Adelaide Crows theme song on her harmonica and confides that Tex Walker is her favourite player. Betty’s daughter, Marra Dreaming founding member Raylene Snow, said it was “just a beautiful experience”. “Not just for the children, but for all the adults as well,” she said. The playgroup was “a creative space for connections to happen across generations in a positive way – it’s wonderful to witness”, she said.
Ms Coad said the playgroup had grown immensely in its first year. “The kids are learning from the Elders, not being scared to go to the grannies and sit on their laps and have a story read – it’s just bonding. A lot of our residents are in wheelchairs or princess chairs, and they can’t get out, so why not bring the kids here?”
Playgroup SA chief executive Craig Bradbrook, who often brings his guitar along and belts out Danny Boy, said intergenerational playgroups had grown significantly 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,” he said. 
Benefits of Intergenerational Playgroups
Intergenerational playgroups offer numerous benefits for both children and older adults. Here are some key advantages:
- Social Connection: These groups provide a platform for meaningful interactions between different age groups, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
- Cultural Exchange: Elders share their knowledge, stories, and traditions, which helps preserve and pass on cultural heritage.
- Emotional Support: Children learn empathy and respect for elders, while older adults gain a renewed sense of purpose and joy through their interactions with younger generations.
- Skill Development: Activities such as painting, cooking, and storytelling help develop creativity, fine motor skills, and cognitive abilities in children.
- Health and Well-being: Regular social engagement has been shown to improve mental health and reduce feelings of loneliness among older adults.
Looking Ahead
As the playgroup continues to grow, it serves as a model for how intergenerational programs can enrich the lives of all participants. The success of the Marra Elders Playgroup highlights the importance of creating spaces where people of all ages can come together, learn from one another, and build lasting relationships.
