By Lucy Waldron
“From little things big things grow,” Mayor Vic Pennisi quoted at the launch of the Nature Play Area of BUSHkids Warwick.
Over the years BUSHkids has developed itself as a not-for-profit organisation that supports the health and wellbeing of children and families in Queensland’s regional, rural and remote communities.
On 21 September their Nature Play Area was officially opened after 12 months of transforming the space. The area will be used primarily for outdoor therapy intervention, playgroups and family support groups, providing children and families visiting the Centre with an outdoor setting where they can engage in unstructured play activities involving nature.
BUSHkids CEO Carlton Meyn said having a Nature Play Area at the Warwick Centre was a major boost for the families they support on the Southern Downs.
“Outdoor therapy is very calming, particularly for kids with behavioural problems, while it’s a great place to see how kids interact with each other and their environment,” Carlton said.
The area is designed to stimulate the children with sensory gardens, mud pits and a yarning circle.
“We are particularly excited to be able to incorporate First Nations stories into the play area,
“We wanted a welcoming space for everyone, and we’ve been working with a local Aboriginal artist to incorporate dreamtime stories from the Southern Downs throughout the area,” Carlton said.
Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi said investing in our youth means investing in the future, they are our future leaders.
“What BUSHkids does for our region does not go unnoticed, your contribution has made a difference in the world,” Cr Pennisi said.
The area has been a community collaboration with Friends of BUSHkids volunteering their time, the Southern Downs Regional Council supporting their Arts Grant, the Lions Club, the Friendly Society, Rotary Sunrise, Building Vibrant Communities group and Spano’s IGA, Bunnings and Acciona Engería.
The kids were nothing but excited to get stuck into the new area and test out everything on offer in the BUSHKids Nature Play Area.
