The Willetton PlayConnect+ playgroup has now closed, despite weeks of community pushback, a public petition, and federal funding confirmed to be in place until 2027.
Families who relied on the inclusive group say they were left without answers, despite efforts to get clarity from Playgroup WA, government officials, and Autism Queensland, which oversees the national program.
Canning Vale mother Jessica Rangi said the loss has left a gap that cannot easily be filled.
“This group gave our children a space where they were understood, where they could feel safe and accepted. Losing that is heartbreaking,” she said.
Earlier this term, families were told the group would be ending due to “funding limitations.” But the Department of Social Services later confirmed that funding for the PlayConnect+ program remains in place until June 2027.
“There has been no change to the funding provided by the Department,” a spokesperson said.
Local Federal MP Sam Lim acknowledged the group’s importance and said he had raised the matter with the Minister for Disability.
However, no action was taken to reverse the decision.
The group held its final session last month, with no official response provided to families on why Willetton was selected for closure. Playgroup WA stated it was only funded to operate six PlayConnect+ groups and had previously run Willetton using additional short-term support that had since ended.
Parents said their questions to Playgroup WA were either left unanswered or deflected. Autism Queensland, the national program coordinator, did not respond to requests for comment.
The City of Canning said it was not notified about the closure but affirmed its commitment to accessible community services.
Jessica said the experience has left many parents feeling dismissed.
“There were meetings, media stories, even a petition. We tried everything. But in the end, the group still closed and no one really told us why,” she said.
In a final reflection, Jessica added, “Playgroup WA, do better. The decision to close this group was the wrong one. Our children, our families, and our community deserve better.
“This group was more than just a playgroup. It was a safe, inclusive space where our children with additional needs were seen, supported, and understood, and where families like mine could find connection and hope.”
She said the lack of transparency and communication throughout the closure only deepened the hurt.
“Personally, I feel deeply let down. It’s hard not to see this as a decision made without truly understanding what this group meant to us, not just for our children’s development, but for our mental health, our sense of community, and the small bit of stability we relied on.”
“Families like ours are often already carrying so much. We needed support, not silence.”
