What's Happening in Balgowlah, NSW…

A teddy bears’ picnic will be held to celebrate the reopening of the Brookvale Children’s Centre.

Major renovations were implemented at the New South Wales centre following a rise in the number of children from the peninsula and Brookvale areas seeking placements.

The need for an upgrade was accentuated by new regulations that require a limit of four children to be cared for by one carer. The new ratio effectively increased costs, and made it necessary to invest funds into the family day care facility to accommodate the changes.

Features of the newly refurbished centre include three cot rooms, four playrooms and an alfresco multipurpose space, as well as disabled access to the outdoor play areas and sandpit.

As a way of keeping with the Warringah Council’s focus on sustainability, the design has incorporated the reuse where possible of sinks, shade structures, outdoor fencing and roof tiles.

Enhancing the refurbishment further was the use of large glazed windows facing north, a rain water tank, energy efficient lighting and flooring materials that are friendly to the environment.

Mayor Michael Regan said that, in addition to providing the best possible childcare, the council had ensured the building was environmentally sound and would be able to service the area for many years to come.

The Teddy Bears’ Picnic and Open Day will be held on 3rd May, 10am to 1pm. Flyer printing has proven an effective means to advertise such events in Brookvale.