8 December 2023 - The Epping Club is proud to unveil its latest community initiative – purpose-built traffic lights and a marked crossing at Karonga School. This year-long project, backed by a $50,000 contribution from the Club, is a significant step toward offering new learning opportunities and life experiences for students while championing road and pedestrian safety. View the news story here
Under the ClubGRANTS Program, an initiative directing Registered Clubs to invest funds back into local communities, Karonga has been the primary beneficiary of the Epping Club since 2018. Previous projects, including sporting ground upgrades (recognised with a Clubs in the Community Award), support for the school's gymnasium, the planting of a school orchard, and the development of an immersive classroom, have underscored the Club's commitment to fostering educational excellence and support for students with special needs.
Situated in Epping, Karonga School caters to students with special needs, fostering a nurturing environment within the NSW Department of Education framework. The school's proximity to the Club, combined with its exceptional dedication to education, made it a natural philanthropic partner for CEO Peter Saez and his Board.
A first across NSW, the installation of traffic lights and a crossing within the school grounds provides an innovative and practical learning platform enabling students to engage in hands-on learning experiences, empowering them with essential road and pedestrian safety skills.
Ruth Rogers, Principal of Karonga School, emphasised the significance of the traffic lights as an active learning tool, stating, "From stopping at the curb to waiting for the signal or sound, this practical approach is imparting vital life skills in an engaging manner. We’re excited to showcase this project to other schools across the state.”
CEO Peter Saez expressed great satisfaction in witnessing the positive impacts of the project on Karonga's students and the Club's ability to support the school in its exceptional work with special needs children.
"We've long admired the remarkable work done by Karonga School, and we are thrilled to have facilitated this project for them. My team and I are dedicated to leaving a meaningful legacy in our local community, and this initiative is a testament to that commitment. As we excitedly watch the students push the button on these lights for the first time, we are further inspired to continue our efforts in this domain."