Queensland Country Bank Weipa branch manager Luke O’Day hands over the cheque for new playground equipment to Weipa Community Kindergarten director Stephanie Neil last week. Photo: Supplied.
He may be too big to test the equipment himself, but that did not stop Queensland Country Bank (QCB) Weipa branch manager Luke O’Day handing over a cheque to provide the township’s smallest kindy kids with new playground adventures last week.
Through its Good for Good community grants program, QCB provided almost $10,000 for wooden playground equipment for Weipa Community Kindergarten’s “Little Kindy” in the Pebbles Building that will unlock sustainable learning opportunities, as well as increased physical and mental health as the children explore the new play time addition.
C&K Kindy director Stephanie Neil thanked QCB and outlined the positive impact the new equipment would have.
“The kindy is an integral part of the close-knit Weipa community, and the grant has allowed us to purchase new playground equipment which incorporates natural materials and elements,” she said.
“We are very committed to ensuring our service environment is inclusive, promotes curiosity, confidence and supports play-based learning.
“As a community based, not-for-profit organisation, grants like this are vital to our ability to continue to provide high quality resources for children and families.”
The new equipment has proven a hit with kindergarteners already, with 4-year-old Lincoln Borden and Adelyn Collins giving it a glowing endorsement.
“I just play all day on there,” said Lincoln.
“I go down the slide and have fun,” added Adelyn.
Mr O’Day said the outcomes already being achieved with the installation of the equipment aligned with the objectives of the Good for Good program.
“As a member-owned bank, Queensland Country Bank has always been committed to giving back to our local communities who support us,” he said.
“This is especially important in regional communities like Weipa, where funding can be hard to come by.
“[Our] Good for Good community grants and sponsorships are an integral part of what we do as a member-owned bank to help fund infrastructure and projects that bring long-term benefits for local residents.
“I would have loved to give the new playground equipment a try, but I didn’t quite get the chance, and I’m not sure I’d meet the weight limit anyway; jokes aside, it’s fantastic to see this new play space in action [and] wonderful knowing that local kids will enjoy it for years to come.”
Mr O’Day urged other community groups to check out the eligibility requirements for the Good for Good program by either jumping on the QCB website or dropping into the Weipa branch to discuss their proposed project with staff.
The new playground equipment funded by the grant has already been put to good use by kids from Weipa Community Kindergarten’s “Little Kindy” in the Pebbles Building. Photo: Supplied.
