New-look Byford Community Kindergarten re-opens 12 March 2019
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Play and laughter has returned to Byford Community Kindergarten after the centre’s Park Road premises in Byford re-opened last month.
Play and laughter has returned to Byford Community Kindergarten after the centre’s Park Road premises in Byford re-opened last month.
The centre was unable to operate from its home at Park Road last year after an assessment by the Department of Fire and Emergency Service in March 2017 deemed the site a bushfire risk to students and teachers.
Shire President Michelle Rich said the Shire worked with the Department of Education, Byford Community Kindergarten and Byford Bushfire Brigade last year to address the bushfire risks identified in the assessment.
A Bushfire Risk Management Plan was developed and the following works were carried out for the site to comply with the Department of Education’s operational requirements, including:
Significant reduction of vegetation within the Asset Protection Zone. Installation of ember protection screens to windows and doors. Completion of hazard reduction burns and follow up weed control to reduce fuel loads in surrounding land. Removal of evaporative air conditioner and replacement with split units. Formalisation of a second vehicular access route to the south eastern end of Park Road.Through the Shire’s community grant program, the kindergarten received nearly $6000 for improvements to the centre’s outdoor area.
Cr Rich said it was fantastic to see children enjoying the improved facilities at Byford Community Kindergarten.
“The kindergarten has been operating for more than 40 years and is a much loved and valued community facility,” Cr Rich said.
“It is wonderful to see the outcome of the improvement works and the Shire grant which has delivered a safe and accessible play space for our local children.”
Byford Community Kindergarten committee secretary Kelly Trent said the Shire grant was used for re-levelling works and placing new turf to the front lawn area, upgrades to the reticulation and providing a safe pathway from the gate to the building, which links the front outdoor play areas.
“The old pathway was uneven, small and had drainage issues,” Ms Trent said.
“The new path provides wheelchair access from the car park to the front of the kindergarten.”
Ms Trent said the kindergarten was an important community group for Byford.
“With the continued growth of Byford, the kindergarten will continue to be a valued community hub and provide much needed services for families.”
Byford Community Kindergarten is also now open for enrolments for 2010.
Photo: Byford Community Kindergarten committee president Rebecca Watson, Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale President Cr Michelle Rich and Byford Community Kindergarten committee secretary Kelly Trent with kindy children Olivia Atkinson, Hayden Reid and Annika Butchart in the playground.