Monday, April 14, 2014

Local construction companies chip in to help child care centre

Thanks to the help of some generous local construction companies the makeover of Mission Australia’s Stuart Park Early Learning Centre has received a much-needed boost.

Works got underway last week after NS Projects and Brierty chipped in labour and materials to the value of $250 000 to renovate the Centre and transform its outdoor play area. 

Mission Australia’s Marie Howard said the organisation had set $160 000 aside for the works including an $80 000 grant from the Abbott Foundation.

“We’re so thankful to NS Projects, Brierty and the team of local businesses who have come on board to not only complete the makeover, but enhance our plans and renovate the Centre to the highest possible standards,” Ms Howard said.

“The scope of construction will improve visitor access, enhance the outdoor space and enable us to increase capacity to cater for more local children.

“In the new outdoor area children will be able to get close to nature and experience many different environments with a creek bed for water play, impressive sandpit, new bike track and vegetable garden.”

NS Projects’ Hermanus Louw said it’s the first pro-bono construction project NS Projects and Brierty had worked on in the Territory. 

“We’ve worked together on several construction projects for the community in Perth and were keen to offer what we could when we learnt about the needs of the Centre,” Mr Louw said.

“We spoke with the managers on site to understand what was needed at the Centre and then set about sourcing a team of local businesses willing and able to donate their time or work for very reduced fees.”

Clouston Associates Landscape Architects, Jackman Gooden Architects, Irwin Consult, B&K Revegetation and Landscaping, and Gus Matarazzo from Darwin Constructions all joined the cause. 

“It’s very exciting to see the work begin in what has been a huge team effort,” Ms Howard said.

“Our parents and staff were involved in the process and asked what they wanted to see in the renovation, while the children drew ideas for the outdoor discovery garden.

“By providing a better and more efficient environment at the Centre we are providing the very best in early education and care for the childrenof Darwin.”

Renovations at Stuart Park Early Learning Centre are expected to be complete by the end of April.
For more information visit www.missionaustralia.com.au


Media interviews & images: Domonique Young of Creative Territory on 8941 9169 or email domonique@creativeterritory.com.