A generous, community-led project saw a brand new cubby house built for youngsters utilising the Pathfinders Women and Children Refuge in Inverell.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
A 'New Vogue Charity Ball' in Glen Innes, organised by Mahri Kach, raised more than $1400 for the refuge to show their appreciation for the facility and all it provides to several members of the community.
Specialist Homelessness Service manager Trish Thomas said the refuge's playground was old and in dire need of a face lift.
"Because this project was for children and young people at the refuge, I had a meeting with them where together they designed the new playground."
During the very serious design meeting an concept was created that included a cubby house and performing stage.
Also established as a "must" in the meeting was the need for a rainbow somewhere in the playground.
With all of that information Trish contacted the Inverell Men's Shed speaking with president Greg Brabant.
"Greg negotiated prices for materials for us and had a chat with Bunnings Inverell who donated the cubby house to us.
"Because of that donation we were able to use the funding for other renovations to the playground."
Men's Shed members spent Tuesday installing the cubby house with a few modifications including a front deck and foundations to lift the cubby house off the ground.
During the next two weeks, members will also build a floating deck where the sandpit used to sit as a stage to perform.
They'll also give some old play equipment a face lift and build a second floating deck across uneven ground to make the space more usable.
"Children with us rarely get an opportunity to have a say and they were very excited to have an input. They came up with the best ideas because they knew what they wanted."
Once complete, the children will help paint a rainbow.
Greg said the project gave blokes at the Men's Shed something to work on all while supporting a good cause.
"We think it's a good project considering the situation these people are in when using the service. We also thought it would be good for these kids to see men in a different light.
"Because sometimes they don't see a positive side. We don't mind taking on these projects and donating material for the community," he said.
Trish commended the Inverell Men's Shed for all their help, along with Glen Innes for raising funds.
She said the project showed all who use the refuge that the community values the facility and wants to support it.
"You can't measure how important that is to the people in our refuge because it's immeasurable."
