A unique intergenerational playgroup bringing together Aboriginal Elders and young children in Adelaide’s northern suburbs is celebrating its first anniversary, marking a year of cultural exchange, friendship and reconciliation across generations.
The Marra Elders Playgroup, held at the Aboriginal Elders Village in Davoren Park, was launched during National Reconciliation Week in 2025 and has since become a fortnightly gathering where Elders and children share stories, language, creativity and culture.
The initiative is a collaboration between Aboriginal Community Services, Marra Dreaming and Playgroup SA, and is believed to be the only regular First Nations intergenerational playgroup operating within an aged care setting in South Australia.
To commemorate the milestone during this year’s National Reconciliation Week, organisers will launch a new children’s book, It’s Playgroup Day!, written by Playgroup SA facilitator Sophie Robinson. The story features many of the children and Elders who participate in the sessions and celebrates the relationships formed over the past 12 months.
The 60-minute playgroup brings together Elders ranging in age from their early 60s to their 90s, representing communities from across South Australia and interstate.
Aboriginal Elders Village Manager Ingrid Coad said the playgroup had become a highlight for residents, many of whom have family members living far away.
“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.”
She said preparations for playgroup often begin days in advance, with residents helping to make playdough, creating clay animals for painting activities and baking damper together.
“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,” Ms Coad added.
Marra Dreaming founding member Raylene Snow said the initiative reflected the important role Elders hold within Aboriginal culture while helping to challenge broader perceptions about ageing.
Ms Snow, a descendant of the Stolen Generation, said the playgroup created opportunities for meaningful cultural exchange and relationship-building.
“In Aboriginal culture, Elders are deeply respected and valued for the knowledge and wisdom they carry,” she said.
Playgroup SA Chief Executive Officer Craig Bradbrook said intergenerational programs had expanded significantly across South Australia in recent years because of the benefits they delivered to children, older people and the wider community.
“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, established by Aboriginal Community Services more than three decades ago, provides culturally safe residential aged care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and is home to 20 Elders.
