Families in Dandenong get a new playground

Over 500 children and their families in Dandenong, will enjoy the benefits of a new playground unveiled today by the not-for profit organisation, the Queen Elizabeth Centre.

Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services, Bill Shorten, officially opened the playground which has been generously funded with over $50,000 in donations by the Shane Warne Foundation and the Gandel Charitable Trust.

“Playgrounds are a magical part of a child’s world, where they can express their creativity and grow through play,” Mr Shorten said.

“This playground will bring together the diverse range of Dandenong’s many cultures, and give children with disability the opportunity to learn and grow together.

“Greater Dandenong is the most culturally diverse municipality in Victoria with over 50 per cent of the population born overseas.

“The playground will give children and their families a place where they can come together, free of the isolation they can face in the greater community.

“It will help form links between people of different backgrounds and build a strong community in Dandenong.”

“The Queen Elizabeth Centre has done an outstanding job bringing the playground to life.

“This playground also gives parents the opportunity to unwind and access services such as the Australian Government’s MyTime Peer Support Program while their children play next door.

“These groups give parents the chance to socialise and share ideas with others who understand the rewards and challenges of the caring role.

“Local families will now have the ability to attend these groups while giving their children the freedom to experience new playground,” Mr Shorten said.

FaHCSIA gives the QEC $125,000 per year to deliver services for vulnerable families including the MyTime program.

For more information on MyTime and other support services available visit the MyTime website or call 1800 889 997