Persistence and optimism pay off for the Wallaga Lake Koori village, as its new playground nears completion.
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The Red Cross, Ngaardi Women’s Group and Merrimans Local Aboriginal Land Council worked together on the project.
Children at the Red Cross/Ngaardi Women’s Group holiday program were excited enough to stand in the rain for a picture with the new equipment. They have been involved from the very beginning, drawing wish lists for their dream playground.
The playground is just one part of a push to revitalise the community. Earlier this year, CEO of Merriman’s Local Aboriginal Land Council, Terry Hill, announced plans to turn the Umbarra Cultural Centre into a cultural hub for the region.
Julie Kirk, of the Red Cross, said the playground push had received enormous support.
"We got a grant from a social housing fund about six months ago of about $50,000, and then the Red Cross has put in some funding and we’ve had donations from Bunnings," she said.
"Fulton Hogan came out and levelled the site as an in-kind contribution – so there has been a lot of support in getting it up and running, and the playground has been something the community have wanted forever.
"The kids are working on a mural with clay that’s going to form part of the playground. We want them to be a part of the development, not just us adults."
Young Alicia Parsons certainly felt a sense of pride about her part in the project.
"It will look good and everyone will love playing on it," she said.