Hi Fiona

yep I would invite a handful of the childcare friends and don't worry that you don't know the parents, I had DD's childcare friends for her 4th and I didn't know the parents. It will be a great icebreaker, and could lead to playdates for your little one and good friends for you. See if your Melb friends want to come, you never know and rather ask than not, they could decide it will be a great excuse to come and see you guys. Also, vice versa, DD has been asked to parties that I havn't met the parents to before as well - I guess you have to start somewhere with 'getting to know people'.

It will all work out in the end and your DD will have a ball!!