Lakeside Joondalup Shopping Centre donates children’s playground to The Patricia Giles Centre

A CHILDREN’S playground previously located at Lakeside Joondalup Shopping City has been donated to family domestic violence refuge The Patricia Giles Centre.

The playground was recently removed as part of the centre’s fresh food precinct refurbishment works.

Centre manager Gemma Hannigan said because the playground was still in great condition, they reached out to the local women’s refuge to see if they would like it for their backyard.

“It turns out that just weeks before staff at The Patricia Giles Centre had received quotes for new play equipment that far exceeded their budget,” she said.

“With an old cubby house unsuitable for small children, the refuge was badly in need of safe activities for children within their grounds.”

The playground relocation project was a collaboration between Lakeside Joondalup and their contractors Swan Group and Airlite Group, who completed ground works and ensured the playground was correctly installed, safe and landscaped.

Child advocate Denise O’Neill said families who sought refuge at The Patricia Giles Centre sometimes had to leave everything behind.

“Often children witness these domestic incidents, so a large bright playground can be very welcoming,” she said.

“The newly installed equipment has helped foster connections between those living at the refuge as the kids can now play in a safe area, giving the mothers time to chat with others.”