Gurmesh Singh MP

MORE INCLUSIVITY IS AT PLAY FOR LOCAL KIDS AND FAMILIES

The Coffs Coast is receiving $375,000 towards new play spaces from the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play program.

The Sandy Beach Youth Space ($300,000) and the Graff Ave Community Play Space ($75,000) at Toormina are among 37 projects Statewide sharing $7m in funding from the program.

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said play spaces are a key community asset bringing people together in a fun and welcoming environment.

“Great public spaces are essential infrastructure for any city or town, particularly in communities that have experienced recent hardship and heartache,” Mr Singh said.

“Creating inclusive play spaces gives people in our community, no matter their age or ability, a place to relax and play.”

Mr Singh said the Sandy Beach Youth Space is designed to be a community hub providing an inclusive place for locals and visitors to meet and play.

“It will include a balance of nature and active play elements, seating, shelter, footpaths and planting, sensitively incorporated into the parkland to retain the natural beauty of the foreshore,” Mr Singh said.

“At Toormina, Graff Avenue playground is at the heart of this community, with Blue Sky and Get Connected Toormina regularly engaging with residents through their activities.

“Local resident, Gumbaynggirr Elder Aunty Kerrie Burnet, provides a safe place for children to play, welcoming all to join her informal play group and organising local sporting clubs to undertake fun days in the park. I’m delighted the community will benefit from the improved facilities.”

Coffs Harbour Mayor Councillor Denise Knight said the announcement was another win for all the residents involved.

“The community has been the driving force behind the work to provide more facilities for kids of all ages at Sandy Beach. It’s exciting that we now have the funding for the Junior Playground and passive recreation areas alongside the Youth Space. There’s something for everyone and I’m really looking forward to seeing this project progress,” Cr Knight said.

“It’s also exciting to see the Graff Avenue Playground move forward. So much work and love has gone into seeing this playground become a valuable community space. Having better facilities is going to make a huge difference to the families and children that regularly use that space.”

A Statewide list of funding recipients and more information is at: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/everyonecanPlay