A HUGE “hooray” sang out as the families attending Early Connections – Coffs Coast (EC-CC) saw the ribbon cut at the official opening of their new playground on Friday 2 December at Kane Crescent, Coffs Harbour.

Families from Corindi to Urunga and inland to Dorrigo whose children, aged from birth to seven years, attend the facility, came along to have a first play on the swings, slides and climbing structure.

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The Outdoor Play, Education and Therapy Environment Project was co-funded by EC-CC and the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership 2019 program which provided $27,500 along with a donation from the former Lionesses Club of Coffs Harbour.

Construction delays were caused by bushfires, the pandemic and floods.

Stacey Bayliss, Business Development Manager, Early Connections-Coffs Coast told News Of The Area, ”The playground project is based on the belief that engaging with children in their natural play spaces is best practice.

“Our goal was to create a natural space for children and families to learn and practice their skills and strategies in a safe environment.”

Early Connections offers developmental supports and services to families who have a child with a disability or additional needs.

Early Connections Manager Caryn Maher told NOTA about the inspiration for the project.

“Pre-2019 our team identified the old playground needed revamping.

“We looked at how we could make it more inclusive, and more typical to what the children would find in the community so that when they’re out in their local playground they are familiar with what they can do in that space.”

The playground uses a mix of natural materials and bright fun colours.

“We used to have a beautiful gum tree here, but it had started to deteriorate and sadly had to be removed.

“We wanted to create a nice space and recognise the beauty of the tree.

“There are features within the playground that use wood from the tree,” said Caryn.

“Brett Martin, the builder, has done an incredible job.”

Cutting the ribbon at the opening party, Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh and Aunty Jenny agreed the playground is a big improvement of the whole area.

“This will focus on the development of the outdoor areas, including construction of natural learning environments for education and therapy for children and families with key workers, teachers and therapists,” said Mr Singh.

“Early Connections has a family centred approach and creates a team around each child and family who work together to develop and implement goals for the families.

“Their program, which supports 135 children and families from the Coffs Harbour and Bellingen local government areas, is changing lives for the better,” he said.

Aunty Jenny gave a Welcome to Country, and told NOTA she has ideas for the yarning circle.

“I’m always saying ‘I’ve got a vision’,” she said, chuckling.

“We’ve always got a vision, looking for the future to be a better place.

Look what happened here, this is meant for these people,” said Aunty Jenny.

Caryn thanked all the staff who’ve been on the very long journey to get here, especially Stacey, who was sadly unwell and absent on the opening day, who has been so resilient with handling the ups and downs of the build.

The playground project and opening party was supported by the Lioness Club of Coffs Harbour, Coffs Quilters and Needlecraft Inc., Woolworths Toormina, The Book Warehouse Coffs Harbour and Rebel Sports – Community Kick Back Program.

For more information on Early Connections visit www.earlyconnections.org.au.

By Andrea FERRARI