Bringing joy to children overseas

Aug 2024

Members from the Rotary Club of Philip Island and San Remo teamed up with the Rotary Clubs of the Mornington Peninsula for the Rotary Overseas Relocated Playgrounds project (RORP).

This initiative repurposes surplus playground equipment in Victoria and across Australia. Rotary collaborates with councils and private industries to tag, decommission, audit, and send this equipment to partner Rotary clubs overseas for installation in communities lacking safe play areas.

Surplus equipment arises from changing demographics and safety policies requiring regular equipment updates. Instead of discarding these playgrounds, the RORP project ensures they are reused, providing essential play opportunities for children and promoting environmental sustainability.

The Rotary Club of Philip Island and San Remo, along with the Mornington Peninsula Rotary Clubs, exemplify dedication and collaboration. Their efforts mean that twelve playgrounds will soon bring joy to children in Cape Town, South Africa. Will Watson from the Rotary Club of Tygerberg (South Africa) expressed gratitude, emphasizing the importance of play in child development and the great demand for these playgrounds.

The RORP project demonstrates the social, educational, environmental, and financial benefits of collective action, turning unused playgrounds into sources of joy and opportunity for children worldwide.