Riverside ESC Sensory Room Renovated with Community Assistance

Riverside Education Support Centre is pleased to announce a major renovation of its Sensory Room has been completed. First set up in 2017, this calming space is a key tool to assist students with identifying and regulating their behaviours when it all gets a bit much. We all need a calming space from time to time.

The upgrade to this valued facility was made possible by the generosity of several community members and members of staff, to whom we would like to express our appreciation.

Firstly, for the last 31 years the Murray Freemasons have donated their time and skills to the Mandurah Motorcycle Charity Ride, serving our community to ensure children and families are supported not only at Christmas but during the year also. Like Riding with the Disabled, Pinjarra Community Kitchen, and so many more, we were one of the very many to have received funding to update the Sensory Room. With their continued voluntary service to the community over the years, they have changed the lives of thousands of people. Thank you to the Murray Freemasons, Mandurah Motorcycle Charity Ride, and the community that have supported this fundraising event over the years.

The renovations consisted of several upgrades, starting with patching, painting, and laying new safe-fall flooring. Thank you, Tim Hanney from Cachet Homes, for donating your time and skills.

Nick at Homestyle Flooring donated new carpet to line the walls around the egg swing, thanks Nick.

Thank you, too, to Steve and Belinda from Riverside Canvas & Marine Mandurah, you have done a great job fixing and adding reinforcements to the much loved ball pit.

We have also purchased steps, a hexagon tumbler, balance caterpillar and trampoline. We have a beautiful sensory mat, new balls for the pit, mirrored panels, net lighting and more due to arrive soon.

With all these wonderful additions to our existing resources and the ongoing work teachers Michelle Anderson and Diana Edwards provided to ensure a safe, diverse environment, we can confidently provide assistance in developing neurological and physical challenges through sensory experiences.
Thank you everyone involved on behalf of the team at Riverside Education Support Centre.

Although some finishing touches have yet to be added, the students are already enjoying the beautiful space and have enthusiasically offered ratings between 7.5 and 10 stars for their new experiences.

Lauren Hanney