All the fun of the farm

By Sarah Schwager
CRANBOURNE children had the time of their lives last week during a range of activities dedicated to them having fun.
At Merinda Park Community and Learning Centre last Wednesday week, more than 150 children were entertained with a mobile animal farm, jumping castle, face painting, balloon sculpting and taste testing activities.
The fun event for local families was put on after the community centre received funding through the Communities for Children project run by Windermere.
Merinda Park Community and Learning Centre manager Jan Gilchrist said it was great to be able to put on a free day for local children and parents.
“It was probably one of the biggest events we’ve put on. The funding enabled us to put on a function at no cost to families. It was nice to be able to have something that they did not have to pay for,” she said.
And the kids who attended were spoilt rotten. As well as the activities they were given free showbags of donated goodies, which included Bunnings Hardware bags, baby essential goods, Kings Swimming Centre vouchers, City of Casey rulers and booklets, and donations from Lombards.
Lombards also donated serviettes for the day, Don’s Meats in Junction Village provided sausages for the barbecue and Thompson Parkway’s Baker’s Delight donated bread.
“It was well supported by the community,” Ms Gilchrist said.
She said 60 families were involved in the day, many of them newcomers to the centre.
“Overall, by the evaluations I received, everyone had a great time and really enjoyed the day.”
The community centre is located at 151-153 Endeavour Drive, Cranbourne North. Phone: 5996 9056.