Kinders’ cool change

By Callan Date
CASEY kindergartens may soon be given some reprieve from the heat with evaporative coolers a possibility in all centres.
All new kindergartens will have the cooling systems installed as part of a mandatory design process after deputy mayor Kevin Bradford moved a motion at last week’s council meeting.
Existing kindergartens will not miss out though with a report to be prepared outlining an appropriate installation program.
It is hoped that all council managed and committee of management run kindergartens have evaporative coolers installed by the start of 2009.
Councillor Bradford said the benefits would flow on to the many different users of each centre.
“Not only will it benefit the children but it will also be great for the staff who work long hours in the kindergartens,” Cr Bradford said.
“Parents who spend time there will also be grateful.”
Children and staff at Mansfield Street Kindergarten in Berwick have just sweltered through a hot summer and are thrilled with the news.
Treasurer Michelle Sorraghan said the council had already identified Mansfield Street’s issues and they would be receiving an evaporative cooler by the end of next month.
Ms Sorraghan said she had volunteered her time at the centre and left feeling extremely sick on several hot days.
“This is what the children are going through every day. They need a sanctuary to get out of the heat and the air conditioner will enable them to cool down,” Ms Sorraghan said.
Cr Bradford said the relief for kindergarten staff and volunteers would also come in financial terms.
“This should be a huge help to all committee of management run kindergartens.
“A lot of their fundraising efforts go towards installing air conditioners and now they will be able to allocate those funds somewhere else.
“I’m confident council will identify the importance of this issue to the community,” Cr Bradford said.