Children attending the Kaurna Plains Pre-School in Elizabeth now have a much happier, healthier and safer environment after the successful completion of a Work for the Dole activity, managed by national employment services organisation Mission Australia in conjunction with the City of Playford.

The 13 participants in the project will officially graduate at a ceremony at the Kaurna Plains Pre-School, Ridley Road, Elizabeth on Wednesday, November 21 at 2.00pm, to be attended by Federal Member for Wakefield, David Fawcett.

Mission Australia Acting Regional Manager (SA/NT/WA) Julian Roffe said the six-month project had transformed the Kaurna Plains Pre-School.

“The Pre-School had really needed some tender loving care in order for the children to have a safe and enjoyable environment for learning,” he said. “The Work for the Dole team upgraded a key play area, built a pergola, installed new play equipment, designed a bike track, laid new grass and did other painting and landscaping tasks.”

The project commenced at the nearby John McVeity Recreation Centre and, when the work was completed, it inspired a community group, the "Smithfield Movers and Shakers", to undertake a Friendship Mural Project. Schools and preschools from within the Peachey Belt area that will be closing to make way for the new Superschools became involved. Kaurna Plains School, the Aboriginal Elders Centre, Northern Carers Network and the Movers and Shakers also created murals which were unveiled by Education Minister Jane Lomax-Smith.

“The participants got so much out of improving the environment for the school and the wider community, and have also now obtained important skills and expertise that will increase their chances of finding on-going work,” Mr Roffe said.

Media are invited to attend the official graduation function.

Please note, a photo opportunity can be organised with some of the Work for the Dole participants and students and staff at Kaurna Plains.

For more information, please contact:

Chris Rann, Rann Communication on (08) 8211 7771 or

Wendy Looi-Penhall on 0407 795 312.