Sunshine Coasts helps sister city of Alotau in PNG

Local PNG Kids. image credit: Sunshine Coast

Local kids aren’t the only ones lapping up outdoor fun at playgrounds provided by Sunshine Coast Council.

Community Programs Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said youngsters in Papua New Guinea are also climbing, swinging, spinning and sliding thanks to the generosity of Council.

“Over the last couple of years council has repaired and refurbished equipment that was replaced at local public playgrounds and sent it to our sister city of Alotau in PNG,” she said.

“We recently received some photographs from Alotau and it really is heartwarming to see so many children having a wonderful time on this equipment.

Cr McKay said council had also provided installation instructions, some spare parts and a safety management system to help maintain the playgrounds.

“Just like with our local playgrounds, safety was a top priority for council so it was important that we provided all the information to ensure equipment was installed correctly,” she said.

“We had reports of children walking considerable distances from nearby towns and villages to try out the new playground so it’s fantastic that they’re enjoying it.

“I really commend the staff in council’s Parks and Gardens department who went above and beyond to make this happen for local children in Alotau who otherwise wouldn’t have had access to playground equipment like this.

“With the help of an aid group, Sunshine Coast Rotary Club and the Alotau Chamber of Commerce, council was able to ship this equipment to PNG free of charge.

“Council has also previously sent playground equipment to Vietnam and would welcome any similar future requests to help underprivileged children in under-developed countries.”