Our Story
Located on Gullibal country in the heart of the quiet village of Cawongla, the Playhouse is a community preschool and children’s place. Housed in a historic century old school house with lush, wide gardens it has been a part of the local community for nearly 30 years, giving young children a community of their own to play, work and learn in.
While the Playhouse has grown and adapted over the years to changing times and needs its spirit has remained constant : to offer the local community a place for families of young children to connect with each other, and for young children themselves to have a place of their own as they take their early steps in their ongoing journey into the wider world.
Leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of tomorrow.
The revitalized art gallery is set to redefine cultural landscape.
How it began
Cawongla Playhouse was originally Cawongla public school which closed in 1975. In 1977, the wider Cawongla community gathered in a shared vision to create a community preschool utilising the land and buildings and Cawongla Playhouse Incorporated was born.
Initially the Playhouse was a drop in playgroup for families to attend with their child (a drop in morning playgroup still continues here to this day). From this beginning, the Association managed to secure some funding from the State Government to establish a 20 place preschool, which was licensed in 1982. Now as then, Cawongla Playhouse relies on the commitment and support of families and the local community to ensure it continues to thrive.
Our management
As a not for profit community-run organisation, the Playhouse is managed by a Management Committee that is made up of parents, and the staff leadership team. The Committee is the Approved Provider under the National Law for Early Childhood Education, and sets and oversees the vision and strategic long term direction, while the Director is responsible for the day to day operations and management, together with the Service Director. The Educational Leader is responsible for leading the educational program.
You are welcome and encouraged to be a part of our preschool’s Management Committee as either an ordinary member or an executive member. Executive positions are elected annually at our Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Meet our team
All of our educators are fully qualified as required under the National Quality Standard for Early Childhood Education, and are also fully trained in both First Aid and Child Protection.
The curriculum is planned and led by a qualified and accredited Early Childhood Teacher, in collaboration with a team of qualified and experienced educators, as required under professional standards and regulation. Between them, our team have over sixty years of experience working with and teaching young children! Our team are also fully trained in both First Aid and Child Protection.
Stephen Gallen
Director
Kim Birch
Leanne Logan
Yolande Pope