More than 450 people attended Tomorrow Today’s PEEP Christmas Celebration at the Benalla Racecourse. Photo: Christine Knight Photography.
Christmas was in the air at Benalla Racecourse when more than 450 people gathered to celebrate Tomorrow Today’s PEEP Christmas party.
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The event also marked 30 years since the first Parent’s Early Education Partnership was launched internationally.
PEEP co-ordinator Rachael Heywood said it was a memorable evening.
“This has been our biggest ever end-of-year-celebration,” she said.
“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.
Tomorrow Today's PEEP families gathered to celebrate Christmas and 30 years of PEEP internationally. Photo: Christine Knight Photography.
“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 the age of 12.
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,” Ms Heywood said.
“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.”
The evening was a fitting celebration of PEEP and how important it is to so many Benalla families.
Three generations and extended families pose for a photo with Santa at Tomorrow Today's Christmas Celebration. Photo: Christine Knight Photography.
The success of the event was also due to the involvement of other organisations and individuals.
Tomorrow Today 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,” she said.
“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 zero to five.
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.
For more information, call Tomorrow Today on 5762 1211 or visittomorrowtoday.com.au
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