Tamworth Toy Library Twenty-fifth Birthday Celebration

Mr PETER DRAPER (Tamworth) [1.55 p.m.] Recently my daughter Eliza, who turns 10 next month, and I had the honour of attending the twenty-fifth birthday celebrations for the Tamworth Toy Library. We were invited to cut the birthday cake and we had a fantastic morning with the supporters and members of the organisation. Eliza thoroughly enjoyed herself and it brought back great memories for her. When she was younger and in day care she went to the library and borrowed toys. Over the years many people have been involved with the Tamworth Toy Library, and the benefits that it brings to the community are well recognised. Despite the fact that it has moved home seven times over those 25 years, it has managed to grow and expand its membership.

Tamworth Toy Library was formed following a public meeting held on 24 March 1983. The staff of the developmental disability unit at Tamworth Base Hospital first brought forward the idea for the library and a committee was established, with Esther Halliday as President, to start the library. It was pleasing that Esther, as well as Susan Barratt, the inaugural secretary, and Laurie Beattie, who worked for Youth and Community Services and approved the funding at the time, were all able to be in attendance at the twenty-fifth birthday. After many months of preparation my predecessor Noel Park officially opened the library on 26 October 1983 during International Children's Week. A 1986 newspaper article celebrating the library's third birthday states:

It was established to provide a service for intellectually and physically disabled as well as disadvantaged children, but since then there has been a rapid growth, and because of continued government funding and community support, the library can offer its services to all children who will benefit from playing with toys.

Toy libraries promote the importance and value of play in a child's development. As the toy library celebrates its twenty-fifth birthday, it has 100 members and supports over 400 children in the Tamworth and Werris Creek areas. The members and committee acknowledge the annual funding from the Department of Community Services, which allows the library to employ two librarians and to open for three hours, three times a week. Support from the local community also greatly assists the library as it continues its commitment to local children and families.

The Tamworth Toy Library has had many ups and downs over 25 years of operation. The management has battled through a shortage of volunteers and overcome challenges in maintaining membership, while its many moves have all been undertaken professionally with the organisation continually growing through these experiences. As recently as 18 months ago the library faced the prospect of having to move again when it was proposed to demolish the building that is its current home. Thanks to support from the seniors club next door, council reversed that decision and the toy library continues to occupy these premises with more certainty for its future. In addition to support from the Department of Community Services, the Tamworth Golden Oldies Dance Group, Tamworth Branch of the Country Women's Association, Cargill Beef Australia, and many other people and organisations have donated new toys over the past year.

The organisation was recently successful in obtaining a grant from Joblink Plus to allow the carport area adjacent to the library to be enclosed, providing extra storage, including additional internal storage, and improved shelving. Bunnings provided the paint and shelving. Tamworth Lions Club has been a long-time supporter of the library, making the first donation of $200 for its establishment in 1983. Bunnings has helped with the library's various moves and assisted to renovate one of its premises. Bunnings' support was evident at the birthday celebrations with Lions Club members hard at work cooking the sausages. An organisation like Tamworth Toy Library is successful because of the passion of its members. I pay tribute to current President Fiona Downey and her fabulous committee, Allison, Marion, Beth, Kelly and Denise, and their very dedicated librarians Margo and Kris.

Why is a facility like Tamworth Toy Library so important? Play is how children learn, and making it fun is nature's way of ensuring that children get lots of practice. Even tiny babies play by moving their hands or sucking their toes, which helps them to learn to control their bodies. The games that children play are directly linked to the needs of their growing bodies and minds. Children's play has been closely studied by child psychologists who have catalogued a pattern of skill development and abilities from birth. Children have so much to learn and so many skills to master: how to walk and talk just for a start. Every child needs lots of time playing and practising to perfection. Society cannot afford to begrudge children time to spend at play because that is how they learn.

If play is a child's work, then they must also have the tools for their trade. Toys are the tools that help a child to enjoy play, and that is why the library is so important. Parents and carers want to give children every possible advantage and Tamworth Toy Library provides them with many opportunities. I encourage the Government to continue supporting such worthy programs. I congratulate all the individuals and organisations that provide ongoing support to the library. Most importantly, I wish Tamworth Toy Library another 25 years of successful and rewarding operations in our city.

Mr BARRY COLLIER (Miranda—Parliamentary Secretary) [2.00 p.m.]: I thank the member for Tamworth for bringing to the attention of the House the wonderful work of the members, volunteers and workers of the Tamworth Toy Library. I am sure all members will join him in congratulating the library on its twenty-fifth birthday, which started with founders like Esther Halliday right through to its current President, Fiona Downey, and her wonderful committee. As the member for Tamworth said, we cannot underestimate the importance of play in the development of children's minds, motor skills and social skills. I congratulate the 100 members, the volunteers, the donors and the supporters of the Tamworth Toy Library. Congratulations and happy birthday.