30 toy libraries receive much needed boost to open more

30 Australian toy libraries will soon be opening their doors in extended and modified borrowing sessions for children with disability and developmental delay.  

“We are so grateful to have received this grant! For our community it means better access for more families to quality toys and resources, especially those who couldn’t previously reach the library due to having additional needs. We are especially excited to be partnering with two other toy libraries in our wider region, so we can work together to ensure we can reach the families who need it the most” Bunbury Regional Toy Library (WA) Deputy Chairperson Nicole Gustiawan

The TLA team and member toy libraries have not wasted a moment since the Honourable Amanda Rishworth MP announced funding for this program in early March.  This initiative is directly informed by 2024 research findings which recommend that additional and modified opening sessions be implemented to improve the accessibility and impact of toy libraries in the lives of children with developmental delay and disability. 

Toy Libraries Australia is excited to announce the 30 successful toy libraries grant winners:  

• Armadale Community Family Centre Toy Library (WA) 

• Bendigo Community Toy Library (Vic) 

• Brisbane South Toy Library (Qld) 

• Bunbury Regional Toy Library (WA) 

• Bundaberg Disability Resource Centre & Toy Library (Qld) 

• Busselton Toy Library (WA) 

• Capricorn Coast Toy Library (Yeppoon, Qld) 

• Carlisle Victoria Park Toy Library (WA) 

• City of Burnside Toy Library (SA) 

• Atwell branch: Cockburn Toy Library (WA) 

• Abbotsford branch: Collingwood Toy Library (Vic) 

• Fitzroy branch: Collingwood Toy Library (Vic) 

• Darebin Toy Library (Vic) 

• Geraldton Toy Library (WA) 

• Hastings Toy Library (Vic) 

• Hobsons Bay Toy Library (Vic) 

• Merri-beck Toy Library (Vic) 

• Avondale Heights branch: Moonee Valley Toy Library (Vic) 

• Essendon branch: Moonee Valley Toy Library (Vic) 

• Newcastle Toy Library (NSW) 

• Ocean Grove Toy Library (Vic) 

• Reachout Toy Library (Glenn Innes, NSW) 

• Richmond Toy Library (Vic) 

• Rosebud Toy Library (Vic) 

• SECC Toy Library (Mascot, NSW) 

• Smile a Mile Fun Bus & Toy Library (NT) 

• Tea Tree Gully Toy Library (SA) 

• The Cubby Shepparton Toy Library 

• Montrose branch: Yarra Ranges Toy Library (Vic) 

• Mount Evelyn branch: Yarra Ranges Toy Library (Vic) 

“We are excited to be successful with this grant so we can create a community where disability is valued as an integral part of our interconnected culture — making it stronger, more inclusive, and more inviting for everyone.”  Sara Baker, Smile a Mile Fun Bus & Toy Library Director, NT

Each toy library will receive $11,ooo to open a minimum of 2hrs extra a week, with the majority of members accessing these additional times to have a child with a developmental delay or disability. importantly for our toy libraries and for families there is no diagnosis required, removing an additional barrier to accessing support.

Each of the toy libraries has developed a plan to connect with families who would benefit from this service, they will design and trial modified sessions including options which are low sensory, booked session times and options to enable families to visit the toy library with their Allied Health professionals to enable access to the valuable resources to meet therapy goals through play. Toy libraries will be using the initial phase of their projects to build the capacity of staff and volunteers regarding disability awareness and reaching out to build partnerships with disability providers and advocacy groups.

When reviewing grant applications from across the nation Toy Libraries Australia staff felt humbled by the passion of the toy library community showing a genuine wish to make an impact on the lives of children with disabilities and their families. Whilst the funding is limited to a 12month trial we applaud the bravery of these 30 toy libraries to take a risk and explore what these modified and extended offerings might look like for their community.

We look forward to supporting these toy libraries as they continue to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of the wonderful service that toy libraries offers.