02/08/2026
🎉🎉🎉
🎉 OVER $5,000 RAISED FOR BAYSWATER PLAYGROUPS 🎉
A few months ago, Bayswater Playgroup WA and Casa Mia Montessori Playgroup approached me seeking some short-term assistance to help them get through a tough financial patch.
These affordable and accessible playgroups are so important to local families, so I sought to get Council support to provide them some much-needed short-term relief from electricity bills and some solar panels for longer-term financial sustainability.
While I was unsuccessful with my motion last month, Donovan MacDonald for Bayswater West Ward and I didn't want to call it a day there. Last night, Big Don's Smoked Meats put on a fundraiser to support these two playgroups and to keep them as an affordable service for Bayswater families.
And we're so grateful that the community rallied behind these two groups and helped raise over $5,000 through BBQ tray sales and raffle tickets.
This means that both groups can get a bit of breathing space from the monthly utility bills and other costs, and focus on what matters most - building up their memberships, growing their committees, and being that support for so many young families.
I'm a young father, and my wife and I are lucky to have some family living nearby to support us when we need it; others aren't so lucky, which is why having places to share the parental load and build support networks, at minimal cost, is so important.
Many thanks to all the members and families of the playgroups that put their stories forward as part of deputations last month, who helped out last night, and who kept on advocating for local community groups.
Special shout-out to my fellow West Ward Councillor, Donovan MacDonald for Bayswater West Ward, who came up with the idea, Cr Nat Latter - City of Bayswater, South Ward who helped out with some raffle sales, and Rabble Books & Games for donating a prize for the raffle.
I also want to acknowledge the hard work of Bre, Cathy, Ged and all those on the committees of both Bayswater Playgroup and Casa Mia - it's hard enough to be part of a volunteer committee, a parent to young kids, and then to spend more of what little time is left on advocating, speaking at Council meetings, and preparing and facilitating a fundraising drive. You've all done amazing work.
My belly is full from the BBQ meats, and my heart is full from the community coming together and supporting these playgroups. Thank you so much!
