Tuesday, December 14 saw the official opening of the Koondrook All Abilities Playground.
A dream of former councillor, Steve Tasker, to provide joy for children with limited mobility has resulted in the $592,000 Koondrook All Abilities Playground. In the past four years, the project has seen a $390,000 grant from the state government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund, the Koondrook Hall Committee ($25,000), Koondrook Development Committee ($22,500, including funding from the Bus Stop Recycle Shop) and Gannawarra Shire Council.
The afternoon started with a willy-willy blowing through the site, sending audio equipment and sanitising stations tumbling, and a teardrop Gannawarra banner was last seen heading over Gunbower Forest.
The wind soon settled and a warm summer evening remained. A crowd gathered to enjoy the festivities on offer. The night included face painting, a barbecue cooked by the Koondrook Tennis Club, a drinks van, the musical talents of Elise Drake and even Santa arriving aboard the Koondrook CFA’s new fire truck.
Cr Ross Stanton opened the official proceedings before a welcome to country by Thaiesha Towle-Wise (11) and Uncle Ron Galway.
Mayor Charlie Gillingham congratulated the efforts of those involved.
“The development of the Koondrook all abilities park is an example of when community and council work collaboratively to achieve an outcome.”
Mayor Gillingham spoke of a community vision that blended with council strategy.
“From (a) council perspective, the development of our social inclusion and sport and recreation strategies, also identified a need for an all abilities play space in Koondrook.
“These aligned goals have resulted in something that the community is already proud to be calling its own.”
Steve Tasker was delighted with the outcome.
“It feels really good.
“It’s been a long time coming.
“A lot of people have put a lot of effort in. No individual has done more than anyone else.
“We have just worked as a team. The community has got together, and this is what we’ve got; it’s just great.
“I’d like to acknowledge the current councillors who have continued the work of former councillors to see this to completion.”
This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 16 December 2021.
