About Us
Moonee Valley Toy Library is a not-for-profit, community led organisation aimed at providing fun, economical,
and environmentally sustainable ways for families to access toys so they can play and connect.
Established in 2011, the Moonee Valley Toy Library is led by a volunteer committee of management and run by 4 paid staff
across 2 branches, in Essendon and Avondale Heights. We are open for borrowing 4 days per week.
We have a huge range of over 3000 quality, fun and educational toys, games and activities to suit children of all ages.
We currently loan toys to over 200 families in the Inner North West region.
Our Mission
Vision
An inclusive and connected community of families who are empowered to
support their children’s development through play-based learning.
Purpose
To provide unique and quality toys to the community and promote the value and importance
of families playing together in an economical and sustainable way.
Child Safe Policies
Moonee Valley Toy Library Child Safe Policy
Our Team
Staff
Sue
Sue is the Coordinator of the Moonee Valley Toy Library and has been onboard since July 2022. Sue came to us from Melbourne Toy Library with several years of experience,
Sue manages the branches and staff and is on site session coordinator for all sessions.
Shilpy
Shilpy has been working at the Moonee Valley Toy Library for over 10 years.
A consistent face at the Essendon branch, if you want some expert advice about our toy range, Shilpy is definitely your go to.
Shilpy works the Saturday session at the Essendon branch.
Beth
Beth commenced with the Moonee Valley Toy Library as volunteer, until she stepped up to support us in a paid capacity.
Since 2021 Beth has become one our regular casual
staff members.
Sam
Sam is the newest addition to the Moonee Valley Toy Library team, joining us in 2024.
Sam joins as a casual fill in session coordinator in for all branches and other events and activities as required.
Committee of Management
President
Hanna Maxwell
Vice President
Louise Bannister
Treasurer
Kimberley Hall
Secretary
Samantha Kent
Toy Buyer
Annette Joseph
General Member
Therese Lynch
General Member
Sarah De-Los-Reyes
General Member
Anaelle Talelo
General Member
Susan Bates
General Member
Patrick Psaila
General Member
Dominic Brown
General Member
Faith Anderson
News and Events
December 2025 | Jo Briskey MP - Visits the Toy Library
We were delighted to welcome the Federal Member for Maribyrnong, Jo Briskey MP to our Essendon branch.
It was a pleasure to discuss with Jo the social and economic benefits that toy libraries provide to local communities like Moonee Valley.
Toy Libraries Australia CEO, Debbie Williams, was also in attendance and spoke with Jo about the current national funding provided through the Department of Social Services to increase access to toy libraries for children with disability and developmental delay.
Thank you, Jo, for taking the time to visit us and learn more about the work we do to support families across the Maribyrnong electorate. We appreciate your interest and consideration of how your office and the government can continue to support and strengthen these important community services.
Pictured left to right:
Debbie Williams CEO TLA
Jo Briskey MP
Hanna Maxwell President MVTL
Kimberley Hall Treasurer MVTL
Louise Bannister Vice President MVTL
November 2025 | Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Project
We’re proud to share that Moonee Valley Toy Library is now part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, a national initiative supported by Toy Libraries Australia.
This program helps raise awareness of non-visible disabilities and lets families know that support is available when they see the sunflower symbol. Whether it’s a little extra time, understanding, or space to play.
By joining, we’re helping create a more inclusive community where every child and family feels seen, supported, and welcome.
July 2025 | Inclusive and Accessible Toy Library Project
Moonee Valley Toy Library is exited to launch our Inclusive and Accessible Toy Library Program, an initiative aimed at ensuring our services are welcoming and supportive for all children and families.
Thanks to a grant from Toy Libraries Australia, funded by Department of Social Services. we are opening extra sessions for children and families with disabilities or developmental delays.
Our Project Objectives:
-
Inclusive Borrow: Offer flexible, low-sensory borrowing environments and alternative access methods.
-
Inclusive Play: Create relaxed, welcoming play spaces for social interaction and exploration.
-
Inclusive Connect: Strengthen family and carer support networks with expert advice and shared experiences.
Over the next year until June 2026, we will be introducing:
-
Additional session times designed for children with disability and developmental delay.
-
Bookable / Private borrowing sessions
-
Toy delivery options for families with accessibility challenges
-
Parent resource space
While these are our initial plans, we welcome your ideas, feedback, and contributions to make these services as useful, welcoming, and accessible as possible. Whether or not your family is directly affected by disability or developmental delay, we welcome your involvement. We would be grateful if you could help spread the word — among your friends, neighbors, or professional networks who may benefit.
Past Events
