Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall pictured with PEDAL Service Director Rhonda Barnett where the new shade umbrella will be installed.
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall today presented a $5,225 cheque from the Premier Mike Baird to Armidale’s PEDAL Service Director Rhonda Barnett to install a large shade umbrella over the centre’s outdoor playground area.
A family-centred education service, PEDAL provides specialised support and services for young children with disabilities and developmental delays.
Mr Marshall said that when he opened the new purpose-built centre in November last year, he was concerned the playground area was unshaded and offered to seek some funding for the installation of some form of sun protection from the Premier.
“It’s important that our education facilities provide the very best of care and protection for their students and I felt the government could help with this small project,” he said.
“The plan is to erect a large mobile umbrella that can be swiveled around the playground to offer maximum protection at all times of the day and then can be put away during the winter months so the students can enjoy the warmth of the winter’s sun.
“It’s the perfect solution and I’m pleased to see PEDAL secure this funding.”
PEDAL provides services to around 60 families in the district, employs three part-time special educators and operates an outreach service in Uralla and Guyra.
Service Director Rhonda Barnet said everyone was absolutely thrilled with news of the funding and grateful to the Premier for the providing extra funding to sun-proof the playground area.
“We’re delighted to receive this funding and think the mobile umbrella is the best solution for the playground,” Ms Barnett.
“Being able to take it down during the winter months will be a great bonus and also help keep the lawn alive.
“We are very grateful for Adam’s help with this.”