New playground equipment for local primary schools

18 June 2013

Member for North Metropolitan Region Peter Katsambanis has welcomed the announcement by Education Minister Peter Collier that Merriwa Primary School and Somerly Primary School in Clarkson will each receive $20,000 for new playground equipment.

“This funding will give Merriwa Primary School and Somerly Primary School the opportunity to transform their play areas into stimulating outdoor environments where students can exercise and learn while having fun.” Mr Katsambanis said.

“We know that learning through play is critically important for the development of children’s motor skills, co-ordination, concentration and social skills.”

“The new equipment will allow students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom and encourage them to develop positive attitudes to physical fitness and health.”

Each school can choose the type of play areas to suit their requirements and can also use the funding to install shade structures.

“Local primary schools are best placed to decide how they want to breathe new life into their outdoor spaces. Schools may want to replace out-dated equipment or install nature-based play areas.” Mr Katsambanis said.

The funding is part of the Liberal National Government’s $6 million investment over four years in playground equipment.

A total of 208 schools have now received playground equipment funding since 2011 and the latest round of funding grants totals $1million.