Ptunarra Child & Family Centre

Educational

Ptunarra Child and Family Centre, New Norfolk is a welcoming and accessible community facility in a disadvantaged socio-economic area offering play-centred educational programs to pre-school children. A drop-in kitchen/lounge and training, meeting and consultation rooms, allow accompanying parents to relax or participate in community programs. An interior play spine runs the length of the building and incorporates cubbies, play nooks, sleeping nests, and tunnels. It punctuates children’s exploration and play with hiding, climbing and sliding fun. Energy efficient, low maintenance, sustainable design has reduced running costs and increased capacity for program delivery.

The non-institutional, welcoming, comfortable and uplifting atmosphere attracts use, supports access to otherwise difficult to deliver services, builds community and combats social isolation. Passive surveillance and the sense of community ownership and pride in the centre have brought dramatic change to the atmosphere, use and safety of the park forging social renewal in the area.