The Mackay Vietnam Veterans Support Group has crafted a colourful mud kitchen at Nebo State School, providing a creative play space for students of all ages.
With help from sponsors and grants, the project took just over two months to complete and includes cupboards, an oven, a slide-out tray, and is even painted in the school’s colours.
Kate Hardwick, a representative from Nebo State School, said the mud kitchen supports “some really creative play, particularly for the younger participants.”
She added that it is “also really enjoyed by some of the older students as well, just as a different kind of creative play outlet for them.”
The design was tailored in close collaboration with the veterans to maximise available space and allow multiple children to play at once.
Ms Hardwick said, “They worked with us to design something specific that would maximise the space we had available, but also allow as many children to enjoy it as possible at the same time.”
Les Palmer, President of the Vietnam Veterans Support Group, reflected on the group’s community involvement.
“The carers over the road gave us a hamper on ANZAC Day because we’re always doing stuff here, so we greatly appreciate it and we just like to help out the community,” he said.
Mr Palmer described the project as meaningful for the veterans involved.
“It’s very good therapy for the guys here.
“We’re limited with what we can do here because we’re getting on with age, but we still have a go and do what we can,” he said.
“It’s just good for all of us to get together, and we hope the kids are enjoying their mud kitchen.”
The mud kitchen has become a favourite among students, who use it daily for imaginative play.
Ms Hardwick said, “It’s totally covered in dirt and the kids love it. They brush it down at the end of the day and get to go again the next day to make mud pies and cupcakes and drinks and all the rest.”
The Mackay Vietnam Veterans Support Group remains a place for ex-servicemen to come together in support, share camaraderie, and give back to the community whenever they can.
Vietnam veterans Doug, Les, Bill and Gary worked together to build the mud kitchen for Nebo State School students. Photos supplied
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