Queensland families are under more pressure than ever. 

Cost-of-living concerns are putting more households under financial stress and parents are desperate for affordable play options that help give their kids the best start in life.

Toy libraries play an important role in alleviating this pressure. 

Offering hundreds of toys within a community setting at as little as $2 per week, toy libraries give every Queensland child an opportunity to learn through play, regardless of income or location.

Toy libraries save families money, they save space, and they engage parents and children with their community at a time they benefit most from that support.

But Queensland children and communities are missing out on this vital opportunity to learn and thrive through play.

Queensland lags behind all other states in access to the not-for-profit toy borrowing service.

Across the state, there are just 25 toy libraries benefiting 2,800 children, which equates to 8 toy libraries per 100,000 children under 5 – the lowest access of any state or territory in Australia.  

THE SOLUTION

Peak body Toy Libraries Australia believes all Queensland communities should have access to a toy library as part of a holistic early childhood system that supports children and families.

That’s why we are calling on all parties to #BringBackPlay in Queensland by making toy libraries a key pillar of their early years policy to fight cost-of-living pressures and support parents as children’s first educators.

To address the gap, we are calling for a $4.2 million funding commitment over four years, which would:

• Establish 50 new toy libraries in existing early years centres 
• Fund an annual toy library grant program
• Expand the Play Stars program to toy libraries
• Deliver peak body funding to allow toy libraries to grow and operate efficiently.

By making space for toy libraries in existing early years centres, we can bring this support for Queensland families together under one roof, promoting the opportunity to grow and learn through play.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Sign this petition to show your support for the establishment of toy libraries in Queensland and the implementation of government policies that prioritise early childhood development and support.

Let's come together to #BringBackPlay and create a brighter future for Queensland's children and families. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that every child has the opportunity for the best start to life.