Funding secured for a new all-weather area at Ebor Public School, Teacher Lee Gardner, left, with students Jackson McLean, Tate Miller-Thompson, Lakota Miller-Thompson, Max McKellar, Toby Moran, Patrick McKellar, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Wyatt, Brauer, Lenny McKellar, Lynette Marsden, Antonios Marsden, Cayden Williams, Henry Schaeffer and Principal Lee Rose.
Tuesday, 4 May 2021
DESPITE the high number of wet days experienced at Ebor each year playtime outside the classroom at Ebor Public School will an all-weather event, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a $90,000 grant from the State Government to enclose the school’s covered outdoor learning area (COLA).
Mr Marshall said enclosing the COLA would give the school an additional building for use during community events and natural disasters, like the Black Summer bushfires.
“Ebor was one of the areas worst bush fire affected villages, with flames literally licking the back door of buildings on the edge of town,” Mr Marshall said.
“Since that event, the community has rallied and put its efforts into enhancing infrastructure that will support locals safe during similar future events.
“Currently, the COLA at Ebor Public School can’t be used in the cold months or during wet weather, which means students have to stay indoors.
“P&C President Sally Marsden has worked with Principal Lee Rose to develop a plan which will allow the COLA to be turned into a functional multi-use learning, play and community space.
“This funding will allow walls and a door to be added to the COLA, enclosing it and essentially creating another area for the community to safely congregate, out of the weather, all-year-round.
“I’m delighted that Ebor, as a community, has been successful in accessing funds for a project that will deliver lasting benefits for all.”
Ebor Public School P&C President Sally Marsden said the enclosed COLA would be an important addition to the facility.
“Since the bushfires and breaking of the drought, it has felt like there hasn’t been a week when the children haven’t been kept inside due to bad weather,” Ms Marsden said.
“Enclosing the COLA has been a project on the P&C’s priority list for a number of years, as we have wanted to create a space where children can burn off energy with active play during recess and lunch, no matter the weather conditions.
“The school is a gathering place for our community and I think the enclosed COLA will enhance that, by giving locals somewhere to hold meetings and come to in the event of another disaster.
“On behalf of the school and wider community I want to thank the State and Federal Government’s for this generous support,” Ms Marsden said.
Mr Marshall added Ebor Public School would also receive a new roof as part of the State Government’s roof replacement COVID-19 stimulus program.
“Ebor is no stranger to the wet weather that rolls in from the coast, and so it’s important the facility has a roof that can stand up to inclement weather, doesn’t leak and protects the structural integrity of the building,” Mr Marshall said.
“Ebor Public School was identified for the program based on the need of the school and community benefit.
“The program will utilise the Local Trades Scheme, a new online platform allowing local tradespeople to engage directly with government to bid for maintenance work at schools.”