With formal support from local Shire Councils, Save the Children is deploying Mobile Play Buses to areas affected by the devastating bushfires, to assist children and their families during the acute phase of the emergency.

A Mobile Play Bus was operational today at Wandong Community Centre, where more than 75 young children and their parents gathered.

Chris Strahan, State Executive of Save the Children Victoria, traveled to Wandong for the first day of operation. 

“Save the Children has been operating the Mobile Play Bus throughout Victoria for a number of years.  We decided that this was a valuable way to help in the recovery process for those families devastated by the bushfires”, she said. 

The program is designed for children aged 0-6 and provides early childhood play activities as well as support services (including referral options) for parents. 

“In the coming days and weeks, we hope to make the Mobile Play Bus available in areas where the need is greatest.  Children can spend time playing together and with their parents or carers, colouring, painting or doing puzzles.  All activities that assist in the recovery process and help them achieve some sense of normality,” Ms. Strahan said.

Each Mobile Play Bus will be available Monday to Friday, 10am – 3pm, however this may vary depending on need.
 
The Mobile Play Bus scheme has trained staff who are employed directly with Save the Children.  All have been police checked and have existing “Working with Children Certificates”.

For further information contact:

Sharyn Hanly, Media Adviser, Save the Children Australia, Tel:  +61 3 9938 2011 or  Mob:  +61 (0) 437 355 096.