Building fences for the community

20 June 2012

The hammers are out today as the Highlanders and infrastructure specialist Delta join forces to help at a new community facility for young children and their families.

The Methodist Mission is refurbishing the closed Forbury School in South Dunedin to provide enhanced services for young families. The Highlanders and Delta are building two safety fences for the new early childhood and community centre.

Highlanders captain Jamie Mackintosh commented: “The boys love getting out into the community and supporting projects like these where you know you are making a real difference to kids and families. We’re proud to lend a hand - and a hammer - to a great cause.”

Delta chief executive Grady Cameron said: “We’re delighted to be involved in the redevelopment of the old Forbury school grounds as a warm, welcoming place for families with young children. It’s a great opportunity for us to give practical assistance to provide a safe environment for children to play.”

The Mission chief executive Laura Black said the refurbishment of the Forbury site will help safeguard a valuable community resource and provide vital services to families in need. “With the new premises, young children and their families will be able to access a range of services to support them through those critical early years and onto healthy, independent lives,” said Ms Black.

“The support of Highlanders and Delta is very welcome as we convert the Forbury site into a place for the community.

“At the Early Years Services Hub – or the Hub, for short – families can connect with the services and support they need, from antenatal classes and midwifery support to playgroup facilities and a community garden. We’ll be offering music and movement classes, a toy and book library and a family kitchen where we can provide cooking lessons.

“Our Little Citizens early learning centre for children from birth to five years is currently spread over three different buildings which are at the end of their useful life. The move to the Forbury site will provide some of the biggest play areas in town and warm, attractive premises for quality early learning,” said Ms Black.