Congratulations to the Rotary Clubs of Altona, Williamstown and Yarraville for getting their project story featured in their local newspaper.
Cubby upgrade a win for all | Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay (starweekly.com.au)
The Rotary Clubs of Altona, Williamstown and Yarraville combined to improve student access to a playground facility at Williamstown North Primary School, in particular a Cubby House.
A current student and his sister, who will attend next year, are both confined to wheel chairs as part of their treatment for Perthes Disease.
Particular focus for the project was to improve access for students with mobility issues. It is envisaged that all students will benefit from the Cubby House upgrade.
Williamstown North Primary School has a playground area at the front of the school facing busy Melbourne Road. Within this area is a Cubby House that has access via loose tan bark. The wall facing the school has no opening for students to access the Cubby. It was therefore very difficult for a student with mobility issues to play with their friends in the Cubby, thus limiting their ability to socialise with their peers. Wheelchair bound students had obvious difficulties, especially those whose treatment confines them permanently to a wheelchair. This project enabled such students to be easily wheeled into the Cubby House and provide access to the small adjacent raised deck area and other areas to socialise with their peers. It is envisaged that all students will benefit from easier access to the area.
After consultation with the school, families and Rotary Club representatives, the decision was made to engage Zisis Build to construct the Cubby. The Registered Builder then liaised regularly with the school and the Rotary Clubs. With concern for student safety and to limit the impact on the operation of the school, it was agreed that work be conducted during the school vacation. This also included weekend work over this period. Members of Altona and Williamstown Rotary Clubs worked on site in conjunction with the builder.
The work was completed within the time agreed and the success of the project has been shown by the number of students that gravitated to the area when they returned from holidays. An official opening is planned for a date yet to be confirmed, dependent upon the lockdown restrictions and a plaque acknowledging the involvement of the Rotary Clubs and the Rotary Foundation has been installed.
Article provided by: Gus Garnsworthy, Rotary Altona