Transgrid delivers new playground for remote country school

The grant was part of Transgrid’s upgrade of the Queensland-NSW Interconnector QNI.

Bonshaw Public School had had the same playground for more than 30 years until Transgrid project HSE officer Peter Doherty attended an ANZAC Day service at the school.

“During the service, I was blown away by not just the friendliness of the community at Bonshaw, but also of its resilience,” Peter said.

Peter suggested that the school apply for a CPP grant and Principal Hilary Dance-Wilson said they were delighted when it was approved.

“It’s hard to fundraise in small communities when there is little or no scope to draw funds or donors from afar and the past few years have been tough for many communities but great things happen when you least expect it,” she said.

Transgrid’s Dumaresq substation is located near Bonshaw and the company has been a part of the community, as an employer and neighbour, for 21 years.

Head of Infrastructure Delivery Jeremy Roberts and QNI Project Director Colin Mayer got to see the playground in use on its first day during a trip to the Dumaresq substation as part of the QNI project.

“It was a highlight of our trip to see the kids having a blast and enjoying the new equipment and to hear Hilary’s plans for the school.

“Our Community Partnership Program helps us provide support and real benefits to the regional communities on our network like Bonshaw,” Jeremy said.

Transgrid’s grant was augmented by a donation of $4,434, from Dumaresq substation staff and suppliers.

The new playground includes climbing stations to encourage students to use their body strength to move between levels, climbing nets, swinging platforms, slides and a shop front for creative play.

Hilary said the students are loving their new equipment.

“The children have watched the playground come to life before their eyes and have been excitedly waiting for the day to arrive where they can explore the equipment and have lots of fun.

“This new equipment is just fantastic and it’s also an important asset for the whole community to come in and use our facilities as well’” she said.