A HANDMADE outdoor kitchen donated by South East organisations will allow Melaleuca Primary School students to cook up an imaginary storm.
Saint Mary’s Aged Care Facility, JK’s Market and Whitehead Timber Sales worked in collaboration to deliver the project.
Saint Mary’s Aged Care Facility representative Karen Osborne believes the school shares a special connection with the retirement village, partially because of the close proximity in location.
“The children come over to spend time with the residents and the residents visit the school,” Ms Osborne said.
“St Mary’s has a fundraising group JK Market with master craftsman Syd Mahoney turning wood into items to sell for our fundraising.
“The school knew about the fundraising and they had the sink themselves, so they approached us to make the kitchen.”
Mr Mahoney shares a special connection with St Mary’s – with his wife a resident – and crafted the kitchen in a day.
Boandik painter Bruce MacDonald also donated his time to paint the outdoor kitchen.
St Mary’s approached Whitehead Timber Sales for materials for the project.
“When we went out to Whiteheads to get the timber for the project they straight away said ‘you are not paying’ and donated materials,” Ms Osborne said.
“Normally these are things we would sell, but because of our unity and partnership we decided to donate it to the school.
“Everyone basically worked together for free and we hope the kitchen will bring the students joy and gives them more (play options).”
Whitehead Timber Sales also has previous involvement with the school.
“In the past we had an ‘act of kindness’ award presented weekly to a student that has done something kind in that timeframe,” Whitehead Timber Sales representative
Mitch Kain said.
“It is great to be involved with the school.
“We are open to becoming more involved in the school community, maybe presenting talks or something along those lines.”
Melaleuca Primary School coordinator Rachel Beavis also commented on how she thought the kitchen would benefit the students.
“It will give them another platform of play so they can feel another sense of belonging in the school yard,” she said.
“Lots of children need that sense through simulation and the kitchen will allow for development of that.
“Play based learning is a really important part of development which focuses on touch and communication.”
The school leadership plans to expand interactive components and is thankful for the donation.
“We are very thankful to St Marys and the other organisations involved,” Ms Beavis said.
“It is a privilege to work alongside them in other capacities, but in this capacity we find it to be such an amazing opportunity for our kids.”
