Playgroup's future uncertain as May 22 deadline looms

Dampier Playgroup is at risk of closure after it failed to secure a committee at its recent annual general meeting.

The playgroup has until May 22 to a secure a committee of at least five people to remain operational.

Playgroup president Angela Harnden said they were hopeful the Dampier community would come to the rescue so the group won't have to close its doors.

"Following the AGM, outgoing committee members took the unusual step of staying in their roles for a further month to ensure our playgroup stays afloat," she said.

"However this is a short-term measure, and I am appealing to our community to get involved and join the Dampier Playgroup committee as the benefits far outweigh the modest time commitment involved.

"Key positions on the executive committee - as well as general committee vacancies - must now be filled or the playgroup cannot continue to operate."

Mrs Harnden said current committee members were stepping down for various reasons such as their children reaching school age.

Dampier Community Association president Georgia Evans said the playgroup performed an important ice-breaking role in Dampier because many community members were new to town or did not have extended family nearby.

"Whether you are new to the community or you have lived in Dampier a long time, caring for pre-school aged children can be isolating," she said.

"Through its weekly meetings, playgroup helps to connect parents who are at a similar stage in their lives, at the same time as providing a positive social experience for kids.

"As we've seen in Dampier, this has often developed into enduring friendships for children and parents alike."

Mrs Evans said anyone able to take up roles on the committee should contact the playgroup.

The playgroup had planned to move into the Dampier Community Hub next year.

Key positions on the executive committee - as well as general committee vacancies - must now be filled or the playgroup cannot continue to operate. Angela Harnden