Get To Know Us

Elwood Community Playgroup is run and maintained by a group of volunteers. Below are photos of the volunteers with a brief description about them. Feel free to come say hello when you visit the centre!

Gabriela (Gaby) Bastarrachea - President

I was born in Peru and have been living in Australia since 2014. This is my home now.

I studied Geology Engineering back in Peru. I currently work in the glass container manufacturing industry.

I joined Playgroup after Linsay, my husband, and I welcomed our little girl Isabella in July of 2022. The playgroup has been fantastic not only for Isabella but also for us. We have met wonderful people and found so much comfort through our chats and shared experiences.

I am excited to join the ECP Committee of volunteers who are already taking such good care of the community playgroup. I will do my best to contribute to make it even better.

Rebecca Sanquedolce - Social Media Coordinator / Craft Club

I am mumma to Alina who is 3. Before having Alina, I studied primary and secondary teaching and worked as bot a support worker and a Special Education teacher. I joined Playgroup in 2022 when I moved to Elwood so as to connect to other mums and kiddos. There is nowhere like this Playgroup and community, and I am super grateful for the friendships made here.

I am excited to join the ECP committee of volunteers as a Social Media Coordinator and to run the weekly Craft Club sessions. I really value giving back to the community and inspiring joy and promoting creativity in toddlers!

Sarah Griffiths - Maintenance

I am originally from the UK but have been living in Australia now for almost ten years, most of which has been spent in Elwood and St Kilda. I have two sons, a three-year old and a two-month-old. I have been a member of Elwood Community Playgroup since my first was a newborn and have met so many wonderful families through spending time here.

I am so grateful for all the time we have enjoyed playing and socialising at playgroup and would love to give back to this wonderful community. I'm looking forward to maintaining and improving this amazing establishment and hope to meet and make more friends through my role here.

Sara Maullin - Event Coordinator

I was born in England and immigrated to Australia with my parents with I was 2 years old. The first place we lived after arriving was Elwood. I’ve always loved it here and after moving away as a child I returned 7 years ago.

My partner Chris and I welcomed our gorgeous daughter Mila in October 2021. We were lucky enough to be placed in a wonderful parents group who meets at playgroup each Tuesday afternoon.

My work background is in insurance and I happily accepted a redundancy after a 20 year career. Following this I gratefully decided to take the opportunity to care for my daughter full time until she starts school.

Over the past few years we’ve met many other parents, kids, carers and families at playgroup who make up this beautiful community. I’m still blown away by how amazing the playgroup facilities are, my daughter loves being there and so do the other parents and I!

I’m super excited to join the ECP in the role of Event Coordinator and help deliver amazing experiences to our lovely little members and their families!

Bridget Whelan - Memberships Coordinator

I'm Bridget and I'm the Memberships Coordinator at ECP. I'm a mum to a 3-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son. We joined Playgroup in 2023 when we first arrived in Australia from the US. It has helped us meet so many amazing people and feel more connected to this beautiful community.

We feel so lucky to have landed in this special little corner of the world. When I'm not looking after two kiddos and volunteering with Playgroup, I am a freelance writer and communications consultant.

Tanya Gilmartin - Secretary

I am a mum to two very energetic preschoolers, a boy and a girl, and we have been connected with the playgroup since 2020. I have been part of the committee since 2022, and appreciate being part of such a well-connected community. As well as the opportunity to support the playgroup, where we have spent countless hours.

When I am not focused on parenting, I work as a Psychologist, and enjoy being out and about in the community.

Todd Sheldrake - Dad's Group

I'm a Dad to two kids under 5, Aimee and Austin. We joined playgroup 4 years ago and absolutely love the community, as well as the centre and all the events throughout the year!

I run the Dad's Group and being on the committee gives me great satisfaction in giving back to a community that gives so much to many families.

Elizabeth Morin - Weekend Coordinator

I am from the French part of Canada, Quebec, and have lived in Australia since 2017.

My partner and I became first time parents in May 2023 to a little boy named Dylan. We joined ECP later that same year, and it has been a great environment to meet, socialise and play with other members. Without any immediate family in Australia, this community has become an extended family to us, and we are beyond grateful for all the support we got from other parents and friendships we created.

In January 2024, I decided to get involved by joining the ECP committee of volunteers as the Weekend Booking Coordinator. I'm always happy to help families organise private parties and answer any questions. I'm only an email away!