Work begins on community-driven playground

WAUBRA is beginning to see years of toil and more than $330,000 fundraised in the form of swings and slides .

Work has begun on a playground that the community has united over.

What started as an idea from three mums in 2024 has led to lobbying and money raised from residents to large businesses.

“Many contributors don’t even have young children,” project member Bree Edmonston said.

“They simply believe Waubra deserves quality community infrastructure.

“The contractor even commented that he has never seen so much community interest in a project like this before.”

While maintained, the previous play equipment Ms Edmonston said had been in need of replacement.

She said the playground at Waubra’s community hub was first raised between herself, Lucy Gallagher and Molly Mason during school drop-offs and pick-ups.

“From there it quickly became fundraisers, community events, letters of support, funding requests, grant applications, meetings with council, community consultations, costings and design revisions,” Ms Edmonston said.

She said the support from the community had been overwhelming.

“We’ve had financial donations, in-kind support, time, grant writing expertise, equipment advice, and constant encouragement,” Ms Edmonston said.

Residents raised $27,000. The planning group approached Ausnet ($200,000), the State Government’s Tiny Towns Fund ($50,000), Waubra Windfarm Community Fund ($50,000) and Community Bank Beaufort ($5000), and they contributed the rest of the raised total.

Locals, meanwhile, also provided materials and labour, and raised money through livestock sales. The Waubra Community Hub Committee, Waubra Football and Netball Club, and the town’s CWA, CFA, bowls club, kindergarten and primary school offered support.

Work on the playground began this month and it is hoped to be ready in coming weeks, pending final installation of soft-fall and finishing works. It will include equipment, shelter, electric barbecue installation, softfall, landscaping, fencing and associated works.

Pyrenees Shire Council is manager of the project.

“Pyrenees Shire Council adopted the Waubra Recreation Reserve Master Plan in November 2025, with this plan including a new playground as a priority action,” chief executive officer Jim Nolan said.

“The Waubra community has strongly supported council as project manager to deliver the project.”

Ms Edmonston said the playground was about creating a central meeting place for residents, but some were growing impatient.

“Every day the kids are asking if it’s done yet,” she said.