Registered Office
The Benevolent Society
PO Box 171 Paddington NSW 2021
Paddington NSW 2021 Donations 1800 819 633 ABN 95 084 695 045
Media Release
2 October 2008
Rotarians upgrade playground for North Ryde children
Children at The Benevolent Society’s North Ryde Early Years Centre have an exciting new
playground thanks to the generosity of members of the Rotary Club of Ryde.
As well as donating funds for the project, the Rotarians volunteered their time to build the new
playground, with a team of 10 helpers turning up over several Saturdays with building materials and
power tools. Materials were generously supplied by local company, Materials In The Raw.
The North Ryde Early Years Centre provides support for local families through quality child care and
other specialist services such as speech pathology, parenting classes and counselling.
“This support from Rotary has been vital to our work with these families, and the new equipment is
already having a positive impact on the children’s social and physical development,” said Matthew
Solomon, the Centre manager.
“The playground upgrade has been a wonderful addition to the Centre, with the children now able to
enjoy the outdoor environment with greater opportunities to explore and play.
“We really appreciate the generosity and community spirit of the Rotary Club of Ryde. This work gives
children the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe and welcoming environment, and will benefit the
children as they transition to school over the coming years,” said Mr Solomon.
The partnership between the Centre and Rotary has now spanned two years, with Rotarians
providing support through donations, Christmas gifts for the children and volunteer helpers in the
preschool.
The North Ryde Early Years Centre is part of the Brighter Futures program, which provides services
and targeted support for children aged 0-8 years and their families, as they address the challenges of
parenting positively.
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Erin Schrieber, ph 0404 904 194
Notes for Editors
The Benevolent Society
Established in 1813, The Benevolent Society is Australia’s oldest charity. Nearly two centuries
after we first started helping the destitute and homeless in colonial Sydney, our 800 staff and 900
volunteers continue to support more than 15,700 children and adults each year in metropolitan,
regional and rural New South Wales and in Queensland.
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Registered Office
The Benevolent Society
PO Box 171 Paddington NSW 2021
Paddington NSW 2021 Donations 1800 819 633 ABN 95 084 695 045
The Benevolent Society works with
women, children, families, older people, people with a
disability and those who care for them, and people affected by adoption. We support vulnerable
and disadvantaged people across the lifespan to build on their strengths and lead happy and
fulfilling lives. We help to connect communities through support groups, volunteer visiting
programs and community projects.
Our vision is that every person is healthy, safe, connected and has a meaningful and productive
role in their community.
NEWS 
