A mobile nature-based play and social group has parked at Merrifield.
The Bush Bus, which provides families with an outdoor learning environment for children from infancy to six years of age, has set up shop at the Mickleham site.
The service is being supported by funding from the 2021 Merrifield Community Partnership Program (MCPP).
Founder and managing director Georgina Dymock said the idea for the bus was born from experiences with her own children.
“My children… they’ve been raised in nature,” she said.
“I knew that not all children were getting the same experience my children were, and I wanted to do something about it.
“The benefit is [also] for parents and carers who, especially the past two years, this was their only social connection.”
Ms Dymock said funding support from sources like the MCPP was crucial to keeping the service running, without creating a monetary barrier for parents.
“Sponsors and support for the bus allows us to bring the program to a wider community… it allows us to facilitate the fun,” Ms Dymock said.
“People who need it wouldn’t be able to come without the support.
“It allows us to make a difference.”
The program will return to offer sessions at Merrifield from February 1, 2022.
Michaela Meade
