For more than two years, students at Armidale’s Kellys Plains Public School missed out on one of the simple pleasures of school life – climbing on playground equipment.
Taking out the #GreaterNewEngland funding round in October 2020, as well as a NSW Government grant, has now changed that.
The combined funding, as well as local fundraising conducted by the school’s P&C Committee, has allowed the school to finally replace the playground equipment that was removed in 2018 due to OH&S issues.
Located in the rural locality 8kms south west of Armidale, the historic Kellys Plains Public School has a strong community base, with 25 children currently enrolled and plenty of room for growth.
According to P&C representative, Sarah Flavel, when the old playground equipment was taken away, it left a real gap, not only for the students but their siblings and families.
“The school is such an important community hub. The new playground equipment is not only a place where kids can play and enjoy themselves, it’s also an important part of their daily exercise and physical skill development,” Sarah said.
“It is wonderful to again seeing the children having fun on this brand-new equipment.”
Sarah said that the P&C had planned to have the new equipment purchased and installed much sooner, however, COVID set back their fundraising plans.
“Being part of such a small community, fundraising can be really tough, especially when you’re constantly tapping the same people and families on the shoulder to either donate time or money.
“Without the funding provided by Greater Bank through their Community Funding Program the children would have waited much longer to enjoy their new playground equipment. I can’t thank them enough for the support.”
Sarah Flavel, Kellys Plains Public School P&C
The new playground was officially opened in April by local MP, NSW Minister for Agriculture and Member for Northern Tablelands, The Hon. Adam Marshall MP, who took a moment to relive his childhood and joined the students on the new equipment.