$50,000 for special playground equipment in the Monaro area

Disabled children in the Cooma area will now have access to a purpose-built play gym thanks to a $50,000 NSW Government grant.

NSW Premier, Morris Iemma today officially opened the gym during a visit to the Monaro Early Intervention Service as part of the Cooma Regional Cabinet meeting today.

The Premier was joined by the Minister for Ageing and Disability Services, Kristina Keneally and local MP Steve Whan to meet some of the children who will benefit from the new equipment.

Mr Iemma said the play-gym was delivered as part of Stronger Together – the NSW Government’s 10-year plan to improve the support given to people who have a disability.

“Under Stronger Together, we are delivering on our commitment to improve and expand services for people with a disability,” Mr Iemma said.

“We’ve invested an extra $1.3 billion to provide better services for people with a disability.

“It’s great to see that big investment translating into real, tangible results here today for the people in Monaro.

“Play may just look like kids having fun, but it is essential to children developing social relationships, developing confidence, problem solving, and for stimulating development activities.

“This play-gym takes it a step further – it’s purpose-built to meet the unique needs of children between the ages of two and five years who have special needs.

“The use of this equipment will be important in assisting these children to learn and grow as they attend the Monaro Early Intervention Service.”

Ms Keneally said that the Monaro Early Intervention Service provides support services for children with a disability within the Cooma-Monaro, Snowy River and Bombala Local Government Areas. 

“Over  the coming months, the Government will be consulting with the communities in the area to identify how services and facilities for people with disabilities can be further improved,” Ms Keneally said.

“I  encourage all stakeholders – particularly people with disability and their families - to get involved and provide input in how we can provide better services to you.”

Mr Whan paid tribute to the Service and the families and carers of local children with a disability.

“Raising kids can be a challenge at the best of times but having a child with a disability brings with it a set of unique challenges,” Mr Whan said.

“The gym today comes top of $135,000 investment  which the Iemma Government made in a multi-purpose centre in Monaro.

“The centre was completed in 2007 and provides facilities for playgroups and a resource centre for parents.”