The funding for this Eden-based service, that brings widespread benefits for young families throughout the shire, ends on June 30 leaving its future uncertain.

Its dependence on government grants makes it prone to political whim and subjects it to the tedious process of having to regularly reapply for funding.

Attempts over the years to secure recurrent or alternative funding have been unsuccessful.

Currently the Federal Department of Families, Housing, Community Service and Indigenous Affairs fund the service. The funding covers the costs of a full-time facilitator, a vehicle, running costs and new toys, books and equipment.

It is a wonderful resource for families providing quality toys and learning resources on loan.

It stimulates children’s play with a source of new toys without impacting on family budgets.

It links families with early childhood services, provides advice on child development and puts parents in contact with other contacts if required.

The Mobile Toy Library travels the length and breadth of the shire providing a valuable resource to outlying communities.

Grandparents are among its users. When the grandchildren come to stay toys on loan are a cheap way to keep them entertained.

Mobile Toy and Parenting Resource facilitator Melanie Hockings has called on people who value the service to write to Jenny Macklin Minister for Families, Housing Community Services and Indigenous Affairs at PO Box 316 Heidelberg, Victoria 3084 or email JMacklin.MP@aph.gov.au

Ms Hocking is also drawing the toy library’s plight to the attention of Member for Eden-Monaro Mike Kelly with the aim of enlisting his help.