By Parker McKenzie
Upwey-Belgrave RSL’s new playground was a hit on ANZAC Day, as the sub-branch takes another step in the effort to attract young veterans.
The playground was funded through a state government Living Local Fund grant, and Upwey-Belgrave RSL President Anthony Stewart said the playground is now open for use.
“All RSLs are crying that they can’t attract young veterans, we looked at and thought what younger veterans have that older veterans don’t?” he said.
“It opened on Anzac Day at 10 minutes past 6pm, and it was packed with kids from then.”
Mr Stewart said it was “quite a hefty amount” of money the sub-branch received from the government for the playground.
“When we found out that we received the grant, we sort of started looking into it more seriously and we realised that a lot of the playgrounds were being purchased from Finland and shipped across,” he said.
“It’s on the water for four months, and we thought hang on if it is Living Local, why aren’t we shopping local?”
The playground was purchased from and installed by Activity Playgrounds, a Wandin North business.
In a statement, Minister for Suburban Development Ros Spence said the government is creating more enjoyable and connected suburbs across Melbourne by investing in local projects that help communities thrive.
“More than ever, being part of an inclusive and supported community is something all Victorians deserve,” she said.
Grants of up to $200,000 are available for infrastructure projects by local councils and community organisations and grants of up to $20,000 are available for purchasing equipment, minor upgrades and facility maintenance.
Mr Stewart said the playground was something the sub-branch had planned for a while.
“When the grant became available we thought we might qualify for it,” he said.
“we’ve delivered the playground 13 months ahead of schedule.”
