Children at Dennington Kindergarten returned from the winter holidays to find two big improvements to their playground.
The first was a brand-new cubby house built by members of the Warrnambool Men’s Shed, while the second was a new concrete loop around the yard – improving accessibility and also paving the way for more fun on bikes and scooters in all conditions.
Warrnambool City Council Service Manager Early Years and Development Ebony Grieve said that Council was delighted to work with an organisation like the Men’s Shed, which does so much to improve the wellbeing and mental health of members.
“The opportunity to collaborate with the community like that doesn’t come up very often, so it’s a great opportunity for the kindergarten and early services to be able to work with them,” she said.
“The workmanship and commitment to the project has been amazing.
“So far the cubby has been really popular (with the children) and they’ve only been back this week.”
Warrnambool Men’s Shed President Phil Pettingill said about six or seven members worked on the project, and that they were very proud of their work.
“It’s a high quality cubby house,” he said.
“It’s black wood and spotted gum, so it lasts a long time. It’s a natural Australian wood.
“And it’s been coated, so it’ll last even longer.”
He said that the Warrnambool Men’s Shed had about 95 members, with new members, men or women, always welcome. He also said that you didn’t have to be an expert on the tool to join either.
“Some people just come along and have a cup of tea and have a chat. And that’s fine. You don’t have to be working in the shed. You can just come along and be a mate,” he said.
“We’ve got plenty of examples over the years where the guys’… health has improved. And you can see the enjoyment the guys get.
“When we’re nearly all retired fellas, and you like to pay it back.
“That’s why the guys keep coming back all the time. I mean, they wouldn’t be going there if they didn’t feel that they were doing something worthwhile.”
To learn more about Warrnambool City Council kindergartens visit
