Families, children, and community groups who utilise the facilities at South Shepparton Community Church can now enjoy a safe and shaded playground, thanks to the generous support of Communities for Children and The Bridge Youth Service.

A new, expansive shade sail has been installed above the playground facilities, which are used on a regular basis by various community organisations, including The Bridge Youth Services’ Young Parents Group.

South Shepparton Community Church representative Tim Hunter said he was buoyed by the donation received and the community spirit shown, with organisations joining forces to help each other.

“We at South Shepparton Community Church have loved partnering with The Bridge Youth Service over the past couple of years through making our building available to and supporting their Young Parents Group,” Mr Hunter said.

“We love what The Bridge does for our community and are so glad to cheer on the work of the Young Parents Group. 

“The Bridge have been so generous in contributing a significant amount to enable our St Andrews Rd playground to now have a wonderful new and purpose-built shade sail. As well as paying for new sand and soft fall for the playground area.

“This generosity will impact the wider community also, allowing all the user groups at our building that do amazing things in the community to benefit.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony to launch the new shade sail was held at the most recent Young Parents Group catch-up.

The Bridge Youth Service’s Young Parents Group is held weekly and experienced facilitators provide parenting education, activities for the children, and support and advice on health and wellbeing.

Pregnancy and Parenting Program Manager Linda King said The Bridge was thrilled to be able to help fund the shade sail through brokerage with Communities for Children.

“Helping to enhance the playground with the new shade sail is a true pleasure for us,” Ms King said.

“We believe every child deserves a safe and enjoyable place to play, and we’re pleased to contribute to that vision for our community.

“The Bridge Youth Service and South Shepparton Community Church share aligned values in our mission to support families.”

Many organisations utilise the church’s facilities, including, play groups, spiritual groups, after-school and youth programs.