Gamumbi ECEC in Toormina reopens after Oct 2021 hailstorm caused extensive damage

Gamumbi Early Childhood Education Centre in Toormina, a suburb in the City of Coffs Harbour on the east coast of New South Wales, has officially reopened unveiling fresh new flooring in buildings that suffered extensive damage in the October 2021 hailstorms. 

The flooring was made possible thanks to a Building Together – Community Infrastructure Grant of $22,955 which was used to replace flooring in the service areas and staff rooms. Mayor Paul Amos attended the service to inspect the completed project and officially reopen the space, Gamumbi Director Lisa Stevens said. 

Ms Stevens explained that as a not-for-profit community-based service, Gamumbi relies heavily on grants and fundraising for much needed improvements, thanking the Council for the Grant and for its support. 

The funds were used to replace water damaged and torn flooring throughout the service’s play rooms and staff areas, something Ms Steven’s said was important in terms of ensuring a safe and healthy environment for the children to learn and play in. 

Cowlings RnR Carpets Coffs Harbour supplied and installed Marmoleum flooring, a 97 per cent natural raw material product and CO2 neutral which supports Gamumbi’s sustainability philosophy.

Coffs Harbour City Council urged other community organisations to explore their eligibility for grants, with a range of funding available to assist not-for-profit and community organisations to undertake capital projects that enhance the economic, social, and environmental well-being of the local community.

Projects that could be eligible for funding may include new community infrastructure projects, refurbishment of existing infrastructure, projects that build capacity into infrastructure, and innovative projects that serve community benefit.

More information about the grants is available here. For local coverage of this story please see here.