All to play for in rejuvenated Sidney Myer Haven space

DONATIONS from the Kangaroo Flat Rotary Club, Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters and a grant from the City of Greater Bendigo have helped return Haven Home Safe’s Sidney Myer Haven playground to ship shape condition.

The playground had been closed for some time due to ageing equipment.

Haven Home Safe CEO Trudi Ray said with her organisation independently funding all other elements of the Sidney Myer Haven affordable housing complex, extra support was needed to refurbish the space.

“The benefits of this playground will continue to support the children now and into the future,” she said.

Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said she was thrilled that the city had been able to contribute $5000.

“I can actually see how much fun this is going to be,” she said.

“Just the opportunity to have somewhere that’s a safe place for kids to play – you don’t have to worry about the gate, they can’t get out – (parents) can just sit down and enjoy it.”

Ms Chesters said playgrounds represent the opportunity to play, take risks and be involved, all reinforcing the importance of kids being outside.

“Every family deserves their child to have access to a fun and interactive play space,” she said.

“This place is amazing because of the people that live (here).

“I can just see it – there’ll be birthday parties, there’ll be Easter egg hunts, there’ll be everything that helps to build community.

“Some of the greatest advice I’ve got has been at playgrounds, talking to other parents, and that (will) be no different here.”

A Social Return on Investment study completed in 2023 found that for every $1 invested into the Sidney Myer Haven program, between $12.13 and $13.11 in social and economic value is created.