Work has started to give back to the local community, with the creation of a new playground at the Clarence River Domestic & Family Violence Specialist Services (DFVSS).

The playground project marks the start of “in-kind” works delivered for locals as part of the Community Support Program started by Northern Pathways.

The team at John Holland have levelled the playground and prepared the area for the installation of equipment for families who use these specialist services.

John Holland Project Director Paul Cassel said: “John Holland aims to leave a positive legacy in all the communities we work in. Helping out the DFVSS is one way we can give back to the Clarence Valley and we are looking forward to delivering more community projects.”

John Holland would like to thank local subcontractors, McLennan Earthmoving and Coates Hire, who were instrumental in providing materials and equipment for the playground works. 

The siteworks will enable the construction of a new playground, which will be built using a $60,000 donation from the John Laing Charitable Trust. John Laing Development Director Stephen Sabbatucci said: “John Laing is pleased to provide financial support the DFVSS to improve their facilities. The DFVSS provide a great service to the community and is worthy of our support”.

The donation is a part of the Northern Pathways Community Support Program announced in September 2018, which has awarded funding and in-kind support in excess of $500,000 to the following local organisations and projects:

[if !supportLists]·      [endif]New Neighbourhood School of Arts: Employ a youth worker for 12 months for a program on mental health & wellbeing, and renovation of amenities for homeless persons

[if !supportLists]·      [endif]Clarence River Domestic & Family Violence Specialist Services: Redevelopment of a community centre playground

[if !supportLists]·      [endif]Gurehlgam Corporation: Indigenous programs & services

[if !supportLists]·      [endif]Police Citizens Youth Club: Establish a series of youth-based programs in conjunction with NSW Police

[if !supportLists]·      [endif]Nungera Co-op: Renovations to a Community Building in Maclean

[if !supportLists]·      [endif]Grafton Ngerrie Aboriginal Lands Council: Renovations to a Community Centre in South Grafton

The funding for youth and indigenous programs will apply to this financial year and in-kind projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2019.

NorthernPathways, a consortium comprised of John Laing, John Holland and Serco, is delivering the new Clarence Correctional Centre in partnership with the NSW Government.