Students from Orange College in Melbourne have left a lasting mark on Botanic Ridge Primary School, designing and building a colourful new Play House and Balance Beam in just two weeks. The project, highlighted on Channel 7’s Sunrise Helping Hand Program, showcased how education-industry collaboration can create meaningful community impact.
The Play House, styled as a grocery store with themed café, bakery, produce, and grocery windows, incorporates the school’s Aboriginal House Group animals — snake, frilled-neck lizard, wedge-tailed eagle, and stingray — embedding cultural perspectives into play.
Led by trainers Mark, Anthony, and project leader Damian, students from more than 15 nationalities applied carpentry and painting skills, gaining real-world experience across trade competencies from wall frames to decorative finishes.
Installation day began at 5 AM, with Orange College students and trainers working alongside local tradies. Excited Botanic Ridge pupils joined in before dawn, and the joy was unmistakable when the Play House was revealed.
“This project perfectly embodies education with purpose,” Damian said. “Students learn by doing, while giving back to the community.”
The initiative builds on Orange College’s growing legacy of projects supporting schools, sports clubs, conservation, and cultural organisations across Australia.
The Koala believes this is a great win-win initiative and congratulates all involved.
