General News
13 May, 2025
Kate Cain recognised for toy library efforts
It’s a high note for Kate Cain, long-time Maryborough Toy Library president, as she steps back from the role after the better part of a decade.
Although Ms Cain’s latest achievement is Toy Library Committee Member of the Year national finalist there’s a lot to be proud of since becoming a member in 2017.
“I really feel like it’s a reflection of the whole committee rather than just myself because we’ve all worked well over these six or seven years with all the achievements that we’ve gained,” she said.
Ms Cain has leaned on the support of the committee since the beginning. After joining as vice president in 2018 she found herself in the role of president in just six months — after the previous president moved to Melbourne.
“A lot of the committee now were committee members then as well. They were able to support me along because they’d been members longer than I had,” she said.
Since then Maryborough’s long-standing toy library has moved location, expanded, hosted events, and celebrated its 40th anniversary.
From a young age Ms Cain has been around toy libraries. From a young girl ogling a marble run in the corner of a book library to having twins of her own she’s seen their benefit most of her life.
“It’s a great way to rotate the toys around in the house rather than always having your own toys there. I quickly found it was a great spot to meet other families with young children as well,” she said.
“It’s amazing that two families might turn up whose children haven’t met before and within 15 minutes they’ve got a common interest in a toy and they’re playing together or playing alongside each other.”
Why Ms Cain has volunteered her time for the better part of a decade with no sign of stopping is an easy one for her to answer.
“I think just the feeling of belonging — both in the committee and in the broader group of members. Obviously we’re all likeminded and understand the benefits of play for our children,” she said.
While the toy library has only grown as an asset for the town under her watch she’s quick to uplift the contributions of the committee and members.
During COVID, when the toy library was moving from a kindergarten’s yard to its current location, it was members that finished a two day job in four hours when faced with a lockdown.
“We had to organise the manpower to move all our belongings: the shelving, the toys, tables and things,” she said.
“We had a group of members all organised to meet at say 9 am at the old site to move everything ... but we woke up early that morning and one of the other committee members said ‘I think we should start this early, I think there’s going to be a lockdown imminent’.
“Then, at 9 am, [former premier] Dan Andrews announced everyone would have to be at home by 1 pm. So we still went ahead and got the entire bit moved in four hours.”
Since the move the group has worked alongside council to build an outdoor play area.
“It’s really made it a great space for the kids to play with the toys,” she said.
“A lot of the toy libraries in Melbourne are set up just to go and borrow and then head off again whereas we like to encourage people to have a play.”
But now, after many contributions, Ms Cain feels it’s the right time to step back.
“My children are getting older, while there are still plenty of toys they enjoy borrowing, it’s time for a younger family to get involved,” she said.
Locals are encouraged to become members for as little as $20 a year with four volunteer sessions or $50 a year if they can’t help out.
“We’d love to see more people taking the $20 option and helping out once a term because it does lighten the load on everyone,” she said.
Those interested in volunteering at the toy library, or who want to know more about its service, can visit the group’s Facebook page or email them at maryboroughtoylib@gmail.com