A place for play: Anglesea Primary secures second playground

Left to right: Anglesea Primary School's Frances Scanlan (Grade 4), Ollie Crocroft (Grade 3), principal Murray Surkitt, Amelia Charles (Grade 3) and Finn Bereza (Grade 4) at the site of the new inclusive playground. Photos: VINNIE VAN OORSCHOT

STUDENTS at Anglesea Primary School will soon have more space to play thanks to a Inclusive Schools Fund grant of $200,000.

Following more than a year of applications, Anglesea Primary School principal Murray Surkitt was pleased to announce the school had been successful in its second application for a new inclusive playground.

“This is a magnificent result for our school and for Anglesea,” Mr Surkitt said.

“It will provide an inclusive play space for our growing student population, including those with a disability of additional needs.”

The school, already at capacity, currently co-ordinates its only playground’s usage through a schedule, allowing pupils in Grades P-2 and 3-6 to use the structure at alternate times.

Anglesea primary’s principal Murray Surkitt said securing funds was a community effort.

Mr Surkitt and the school asked he local community to provide input and ideas prior to submission to assist in the application.

“It will also be a fantastic community facility that people can use after school hours and on weekends,” Mr Surkitt added.

The school’s principal expects the new playground to be built by late 2023, according to Victorian School Building Authority timelines, complementing a new Outdoor Learning Centre the school is hoping to install in the upcoming summer holidays.

Anglesea Primary’s new centre was made possible thanks to another successful grants application through School Shade Sails funding ($25,000), Parents Club funds and school-based funds.

A third grant of $19,500 from the Department of Health’s Shade Grants Program will provide a new shade structure to the school as well.

Current Member for Western Victoria was happy with the results for three of her region’s schools, enabling more students to join in on the fun.

“This is a fantastic outcome for all students at Anglesea, Inverleigh and Nullawarre and District Primary Schools, who will soon have some amazing new spaces in which to learn, play and be inspired,” MP Tierney said.

“These new playgrounds when complete will make a real difference to students at these schools who will get the benefits of new inclusive spaces to cater for a wider range of options for teaching and learning.”

Surf Coast Shire councillors Cr Mike Bodsworth and Mayor Libby Stapleton provided letters of support during Anglesea Primary’s bid for a new playground.