Flood affected Rocklea State School students come out into the sunshine and play!
Declared as one of the biggest natural disasters in Australian history, the Queensland Floods in early 2011 had an impact on a near unfathomable scale. The flood area covered over 500 square kilometres, its impact reached an incredible 86 cities and towns and took the lives of 36 people.
Of the 92 Queensland Schools affected by flood waters, Rocklea State School, located in Brisbane’s south-east was one of the schools hit hard by flood waters. The school’s administration block, resource centre, computer room and classrooms took the brunt of the nearly two metre water level now indicated as a sombre reminder by a plaque on the wall of the school’s gym.
In August 2011, The Shane Warne Foundation in conjunction with Variety Victoria were able to make a generous donation to assist with the cost of resurfacing the school’s tennis and basketball court. The court is central to the school’s physical education curriculum; hosting training for interschool sports meets and is a favourite play area for the 40, prep to year seven, students.
Variety – the Children’s Charity recognises the value and importance of outdoor play and team sports for children’s physical and social development.
Variety Queensland CEO Mr. Les Riley says “for schools like Rocklea, reinstating the facilities that keep students active and engaged with the community is a vital step in moving on from a natural disaster. We are grateful to The Shane Warne Foundation who has made such a positive impact on the lives of these children, today and for their future”.
General Manager of The Shane Warne Foundation, Jason Warne commented, “The Shane Warne Foundation was created to help children in need. After the devastation caused by the floods to Rocklea State School, we are proud to have been able to get involved and assist with the resurfacing of the tennis and basketball courts. We hope they are enjoyed for many years to come!”
Fittingly, it was rain that delayed the opening of the sports court, but on Wednesday 28th March students and teachers gathered with representatives from Variety – the Children’s Charity to cut the ribbon and throw their first balls around.
Variety – the Children’s Charity is dedicated to empowering Australian children who are sick, disadvantaged or who have special needs to LIVE, LAUGH and LEARN. In 2011, Variety was able grant over $2.7 Million worth of equipment and services and have a positive effect on the lives of over 55,000 Queensland children in need.
