Play time at the new Lismore Neighbourhood Centre

The old lift well has been converted into a cosy cubby house; the side of the reception desk is a groovy blackboard and the floor has been transformed into a vibrant road map along which busy little hands can drive their toy cars.

Welcome to the new creative children’s space at the Lismore Neighbourhood Centre (LNC) – designed by Southern Cross University’s Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) students.

The students have already made history as the first cohort to study Early Childhood at the University, a degree which will equip them to teach children from birth to eight years. Now they can also add being successful design consultants to their skill set.

Three of the 12 design team members, Marilyn Heinz, of Casino, Kate Behan, of Lismore and Melissa Stace, of Ballina, got to have their first ‘play’ in the children’s space this week, prior to its official opening next Wednesday, July 1, by Member for Page, Janelle Saffin, Member for Lismore, Thomas George and Lismore Mayor, Jenny Dowell.

Taking a step back in time, the three women enjoyed the opportunity of having a tea party with the miniature tea set, checking out the latest kids’ music using the wireless audio headphones and building a construction with the magnetic blocks – just some of the fun activities the new play space offers.

The students’ brief was to develop a fun, inviting and secure play area for youngsters, just five metres by two-and-a-half metres square – and it is amazing how much they have been able to incorporate into the area while still allowing the maximum amount of floor space. Parents who visit the LNC will know that their children are happy and safe in the new space.

Students and staff at the University embarked on the project after $3000 was donated by the YWCA's 'Grassroots Parenting Fund' to build a child-friendly space in the revamped Carrington Street building, which was formerly the old Lismore library.

LNC coordinator Paul Cruikshank and NCAHS health equity coordinator Donna Smith-Lloyd invited early childhood students, in association with the University’s Centre for Children and Young People, to be involved under the guidance of early childhood lecturer Wendy Boyd.

“As part of the selection of equipment, students discussed the suitability of different types of equipment considering the ages of the children, the space that was available, the noise that could be created by the children and relevant safety concerns,” Wendy said.

“Students browsed through equipment catalogues, drew up a plan, and hunted down bargains for cushions, dress-ups and books. The space has state-of-the-art cordless headphones for children to listen to music or stories and not interrupt others, creative arts equipment, vehicles, blocks, a mirror that changes your size and even a small cubby area.

“A small set-back occurred when fire regulations reduced the size of the space but students overcame this by redesigning the space and withdrawing some equipment – all part of learning to be an early childhood professional!

“It has been an exciting experience for the students to be engaged in something so meaningful to the community, and relevant to their studies.”

The students will join in the celebrations at the 33rd anniversary of the LNC and the launch of the new play space, next Wednesday,July 1, from 11am to 2pm. There will also be displays and tours of the new centre.

Photo: Early childhood students (from left), Kate Behan, of Lismore, Marilyn Heinz, of Casino and Melissa Stace, of Ballina, test out the children’s play space they have helped to design. Media opportunity: media are invited to attend on the day. The official opening of the upgraded centre will be at 12 noon, with the cake cutting ceremony at 12.15pm.