First Local Schools Fund project launched in Mayo
Posted February 18, 2020
'Cubby Lane' - an innovative outdoor classroom for creative play and learning at Stirling East Primary School - was officially opened today by the Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie.
Photograph: Stirling East Primary School students Indie and Maya take Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie and School Governing Council Chairperson Ben Dry on a tour of Cubby Lane.
Rebekha was joined in the ribbon cutting ceremony by School Governing Council Chairperson Ben Dray and Principal Stephen Measday.
Cubby Lane was the first of 13 projects funded in Mayo under the Commonwealth's $30 million Local Schools Community Fund.
The other projects included:
- St Catherine's School Stirling, canteen amenities refurbishment, $20,000
- McLaren Vale Primary School, verandah installation, $20,000
- Myponga Primary School, improved outdoor drainage system, $20,000
- Lobethal Primary School, community kitchenette $20,000
- Galilee Catholic School Aldinga, mud kitchen project $20,000
- Paracombe Primary School, power supply to STEM shed $19,131
- Oakbank Area School, community outdoor fitness Equipment $18,181
- Macclesfield Primary School, playground development $17,208
- Kangaroo Island Community Education, outdoor learning environment $10,000
- Kersbrook Primary School, outdoor play $10,000
- Birdwood Primary School, library refurbishment $10,000
- Investigator College South Coast 3D printing $5,480.
The Fund provided each electorate in Australia with $200,000 to share among eligible government, Catholic and independent schools.
Applications for the Fund closed in September last year with schools able to submit formal submissions for projects valued at between $1,000 and $20,000.
"Like other MPs, I established a Local Advisory Committee with representatives from the government, Catholic and independent school sectors to assist with the short-listing of the applications for final approval by the Federal Government," Rebekha said.
"Our committee had a range of projects to choose from ranging from the practical to the extremely creative.
"Cubby Lane is the first project to be completed and I was pleased to be invited to the opening.
"This 'street' of purpose-built cubby houses has shops, a post office and even a fire station to play in, promoting creative play while also touching on all the STEM subjects of maths and science.
"The cubby houses are made from recycled apple crates and parents and staff have all been involved in the building and decorating.
"Cubby Lane is a such fun place. I almost wish I was back in school to enjoy it."
