Jumping on a trampoline is a sensation that all children should experience, and one that some may take for granted, and the Burdekin Special School (BSS) P&C has been fundraising to ensure its students don’t miss out.
After over two years of fundraising, the P&C has almost raised the funds required for the installation of inground trampolines and is calling on the community for one final push to get them over the line.
The funds will be used to install at least two inground trampolines, at least one of which will be wheelchair accessible, with early stages of construction underway.
“They are not like your traditional trampolines with springs, they’re more like a network of plastic pieces that have the give to make it move which is how they’re wheelchair accessible and why they’re safe for the kids with disabilities,” said Burdekin Special School P&C Treasurer Joe Carrington.
“It’s a playground level trampoline so the kids aren’t going to be bouncing massive heights, it’s a little bit of bounce that’s going to give our kids something different and a little bit extra in terms of their gross motor skills.”
Five out of the 22 students enrolled in the school are in wheelchairs, while the school only has one piece of wheelchair accessible equipment in the playground and one wheelchair accessible swing in the gross motor room.
“This gives us another opportunity for our kids with wheelchairs to be able to be included with their peers,” Ms Carrington said.
“It’s not a sensation they would feel on a regular basis, so it’s exciting and fun for them.”
Thanks to the generosity of the Burdekin community and assistance from the Department of Education, the P&C are closing in on a fundraising target of $132,000, with about $2,000 left to raise.
The committee has been busy fundraising through raffles, barbecues at the markets, a cookie dough fundraiser and candy shop and lob-a-choc stalls at community events.
The school was also supported by Attori the Entertainers and the Queens Hotel with an 80s show held in April where ticket sales were donated to the school.
“We really appreciate when people in the community can help us, whether it be in direct donations, whether it’s supporting us through raffles or at the markets, or donating their time and their talents,” said Ms Carrington.
It is hoped that the project will be close to completion by the start of the 2024 school year, with the installation of shade sails to come after that.
The P&C will be holding raffles and money boards in term 1, 2024 at Woolworths Ayr, Woods Newsagency and Home Hill News and Coffee.
Contact the Burdekin Special School on 07 4790 3111 or email principal@burdekinspecs.eq.edu.au for more information.
Burdekin Special School P&C Treasurer Joe Carrington and President Shane Robinson
Burdekin Special School students Jett Robinson, Marilyn Hunter, Aiden Carrington and Jake Stevenson
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