By KATRINA BRANDON

 

MORE than 150 people celebrated Children’s Week with a Teddy Bear Picnic, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the coolness of the shade in Newman Park, Traralgon.

The picnic was brought on by Playgroup Victoria, which is working towards further unity between Latrobe Valley playgroups.

Playgroup Victoria FLAG Officer, Shascha Reese-Sharam said: “The event came about from us looking at all of the playgroups in the area, and we were like, ‘we need something that brings playgroups together and showcases all the amazing work these volunteers and employees put into making their playgroups absolutely amazing week-by-week’.”

“We decided for Children’s Week to make a huge Teddy Bear Picnic. This is it, with over 150 people in attendance. It has been a fantastic turnout.”

Family: Traralgon mother Danielle with Layla (3) and Lenny (1) enjoying a day out at Newman Park during a Playgroup Victoria event. Photograph: Katrina Brandon

Ms Reese-Sharam said the group aimed for 50 to 80 people to attend, and were excited to see attendance well exceed that number.

Ms Reese-Sharam added it was encouraging to see that everyone was keen to get involved on the day, and they had had over eight organisations come together to celebrate Family and Children’s Week (October 19-27).

Creative: Amelia (2) from Churchill at the picnic. Photograph: Katrina Brandon

The group is already considering making it a yearly event.

“Due to the enthusiasm the community has shown today, we definitely will be back to do it all over again,” Ms Reese-Sharam said.

“We would love for people to be involved, so keep an eye out on our socials when it comes close to Children’s Week.”