Christmas was in the air at Benalla Racecourse on the evening of Wednesday 3 December when more than 450 people gathered to celebrate Tomorrow Today’s PEEP Christmas party and to mark 30 years of Parent’s Early Education Partnership (PEEP) internationally.
PEEP Coordinator, Rachael Heywood shared more about the memorable evening; “This has been our biggest ever end-of-year-celebration. It’s incredible to see so many families and other community members here tonight. There are even some families here who were at our very first PEEP sessions more than 12 years ago!”
“Having some additional activities like the jumping castle and the mini construction vehicles has clearly been a big hit with the children. The photo booth from local business ‘Capture Your Moment’ was fantastic too and we know that our families will treasure the pictures for years to come.”
PEEP has become a fixture in the lives of Benalla and district families with children under school age for 12 years. Tomorrow Today was one of the first organisations in Australia to implement the PEEP program which began in the UK in 1995.
“We were thrilled to celebrate 30 years of PEEP internationally with so many past and present PEEP participants, staff and volunteers. I’d like to thank all those people who travelled to attend. It was wonderful to catch up with them and hear about their PEEP memories from years gone by,” Rachael added.
The evening was a fitting celebration of PEEP and how important it is to so many Benalla families. The success of the event was also due to the involvement of other organisations and individuals.
Education Benalla Program Manager, Sally Matheson thanked those who helped on the night; “We are very fortunate to have the support of local organisations like Benalla’s Rotary Club, the Benalla Lions Club, Benalla Rural City Council and the Benalla Racing Club who hosted us for the event. The commitment of these organisations, not just tonight but to the PEEP program and Tomorrow Today throughout the year, really shows how when a community works together great things happen.”
PEEP is a free program for Benalla and district families with children aged 0-5. Multiple sessions run on weekdays during school terms. Each session is a mix of singing, storytelling, guided activities and information sharing. The aim is to help parents and carers connect with one another and to support them in their role as their child’s first and most important ongoing educator. PEEP sessions will recommence in Term 1 2026.