MANY parents dread Monday mornings.

But for a handful of Moree mums and dads, the first day of the week is music to their ears.

Mainly Music was established in Moree 17 years ago for parents, carers and their toddlers to get together Monday mornings and do what every child under five loves to do – make friends and make music.

The non-funded volunteer community group meet at the Lifehouse Church on Frome Street between 8am and 11.30am during school term.

Bec Beness established Mainly Music in 2007, after being told about the concept by then-Salvation Army Pastor, Linda Meppem.

“Linda saw the idea in New Zealand and came to me and said, ‘hey, let’s do this’,” Ms Beness said.

“Linda has been a great support over the years. She’s now retired and is back helping on Mondays, along with many other volunteers.”

Mainly Music originated in Aotearoa, New Zealand in 1990, with music- and play-focused programs designed for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.

Each group is driven and guided by five core Christian values – creativity, connection, celebration, generosity and honour.

“It started at a Baptist church in New Zealand, with the idea of giving a playgroup that something extra. There are now Mainly Music playgroups all over Australia, New Zealand and the UK,” Ms Beness said.

“We aim to nurture development across all areas through play and music. Parents have the opportunity to connect, find support and encouragement and enjoy positive, interactive time with their children.

“We have had the privilege of sharing part of the journey with more than 260 families in Moree over the last 17 years, and we’ve seen families from many cultures participate,” she said.

(from left) Jacqui, baby Amelia, Charlotte, Mainly Music co-ordinator Bec Beness, Ginny, baby Albertine and Elowen.

In Moree, up to 30 children and their parents meet each week – and there’s room for more.

“This is a playgroup where parents stay for the morning. They come and chat to each other, and talk to other mums about what’s been happening, and the challenges they might be facing,” Ms Beness said.

“The kids have a little play when they get here, then we pack up all the toys and sit in a circle and have a music session. We play percussion instruments and use songs and rhyme, which is really good for children’s development.

“All the parents get involved and it’s a really nice experience for them to have with their kids,” she said.

Afterwards, parents and volunteers enjoy morning tea and a second play time for those staying a little longer.

“Some of the mums with younger kids will head off after the music session and the older kids will stay and do some more play time,” Ms Beness said.

The playgroup started at Lifehouse Church five years ago after transferring from the Shae Academy site.

Lifehouse Church generously provides the space and the Salvation Army covers the annual Mainly Music membership costs.

“We do ask for a small, gold-coin donation to help pay for morning tea and that sort of thing,” said Ms Beness, who also works part-time as a teacher’s aide at Moree Christian School and runs a second Mainly Music group at Moree East Public School each Friday.

“I started Mainly Music when my second child, Lachy, was a newborn, and he’s 17 now,” she laughed. “I did think my time would end when my youngest went off to school, but she’s now in Year 7. My kids come and help me set up in the morning and we’ve got a great team of volunteers who also help with the set-up and pack-up, and make morning tea and chat with the mums and kids.

Mainly Music: Phil, David, Naomi, Judy, Sandra, Eli, Audrey, Lachy, Josey, Harry, Lucas, Tialeah and Bec Beness (second from right), who established Mainly Music in Moree in 2007.

“It’s a great little community and such a blessing to be able to be a small part of the lives of so many Moree families for so long. I see people and their families who started at the beginning and now have teenagers. They still stop in the street and say ‘hello’ and that’s a really nice part of it all,” she said.

Parents and carers interested in taking part in Moree Mainly Music can contact Bec Beness on 0408 963904.