Bathurst Public School has today unveiled its “My Community Project”.
The initiative was made possible thanks to a grant of more than $198,000 from the NSW Government and overwhelming support from the local community.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole today officially opened the school’s Augmented Reality Garden Adventure Project which was one of three successful My Community Projects in the Bathurst Electorate.
Mr Toole said the public were asked to vote on a list of nominated projects, with Bathurst Public School coming in a big winner with a vision to create an interactive and educational garden that engages students and community through an augmented reality app.
“The garden landscape and app have been designed to link to the school curriculum,” he said.
This includes three key primary design features and elements, including:
· The natural environment, providing references and links to native ecology, geology, waterways and animals;
· Cultural heritage through the yarning circle and Indigenous interactive features; and
· Sustainability with recycling, chickens and composting vegetable gardens.
Mr Toole said the “My Community Project” concept captured the imagination of local residents with people putting a lot of work into their ideas
“These projects came from the community and were voted on by the community,” he said.
“The transformation of what used to be a bare patch of dirt under two old trees at Bathurst Public School has been nothing short of brilliant.
“I congratulate Skillset Land Works for helping drive this project in its design and construction as well as project management, staff and students from Bathurst Public School and everyone who has been involved with this initiative.”
The two other successful My Community Projects were:
Café on Corporation ($20,000) – Bathurst’s Generocity Church’s wanted to purposefully create sustainable employment and training opportunities. It was able to partner with local disability services, people living with disabilities, their carers’ and the local community to deliver what they see as a unique opportunity to deliver quality coffee and delicious food options to the works and patrons of nearby businesses in the Bathurst Trade Centre.
Welcome Gather Connect School Playground ($111,550) – Rejuvenating the welcoming point that is the garden gateway to Eglinton Public School where community can gather and make connections. The project has developed a welcoming path into the heart of the school which safely links the formal school environment with inclusive play options during all weather conditions.