Mullewa Playgroup left in limbo as future of long-time home uncertain after Communities office closure

A Mid West playgroup that has been a cornerstone of its town for more than 20 years is facing an uncertain future, after being told by the Department of Communities it may need to find a new home. The Mullewa Playgroup, which has operated from the same building since 2003, approached the department earlier this year seeking grants to carry out refurbishments. It was instead advised to start looking for another venue. Playgroup president Rhianna Deering, who attends sessions with her 19-month-old son Hudson Steele, said the group had been trying to make small improvements when they learnt about the building’s uncertain future. “We were reaching out to get some grants so that we could get the walls painted and make it look a little nicer and a bit more welcoming for members of the community,” she said. “That’s how we found out they don’t have plans at this stage for the building.” The building, located on Main Street in the centre of Mullewa, is also used by Ngala and Desert Blue Connect, which provide counselling and family support services in town. Ms Deering said they received the same message. “Having a safe facility is vital for our community, especially with increased mental health needs out here — postnatal depression, isolation. It’s just so important,” she said. Ms Deering said the existing building suited the playgroup’s needs perfectly, and finding an alternative space had proven almost impossible with the few available venues either unsuitable or too expensive for the volunteer-run, not-for-profit group. “Our current building is amazing. At the moment the building meets absolutely everything we need to run our group,” she said. “As a not-for-profit with no consistent income, it’s just not suitable long term to pay for a communal space. It would mean that we would have to increase our fees, which isn’t feasible for our community.” Ms Deering said the group had now started clearing out some of its storage in case they were asked to vacate at short notice. A Department of Communities spokesperson said the department acknowledged the “value that Ngala and the Mullewa Playgroup provide to the community”, and told the playgroup they could “continue to use the building for the foreseeable future”. The group’s uncertainty was compounded by the departure of a Department of Communities staff member who had been based in the same building. Ms Deering said since that office was vacated, upkeep had become difficult and the playgroup felt as though they had been “left waiting for bad news to drop”. “There’s no one coming in to consistently do the yard work, so it’s been quite overgrown,” she said. “It really feels like we’re just waiting to be told what’s next, and that’s a horrible position to be in.” City of Greater Geraldton mayor Jerry Clune said the city was aware of the issue and had raised it with the State Government. “Playgroups make an enormous contribution to the health and wellbeing of young families and communities. Mullewa is an integral part of the Mid West and support from the State Government needs to be expanded, not reduced,” he said. “Department of Communities withdrawing their presence and leaving the Mullewa Playgroup with no home is alarming, and another example of the State Government deflecting responsibility to local government. “The city stands with the families of Mullewa and urges the State Government to ensure that vital services and support remain in place for this important regional community.”