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.
