The College held an official naming ceremony on Wednesday for the new adventure playground at Pakenham Campus Junior School.

The event followed accolades received last week at the 2024 Victorian Garden Awards where Beaconhills was not only announced as a Regional Award winner, but the playground was recognised as the Most Engaging Garden for Play.

Katherine Bodsworth, Head of Pakenham Junior School, shared the positive influence the playground has had on students:

“The space is ever-changing, with a variety of play being created by the children. We have noticed an increase in imaginative play, with joyful interactions. The kids in this space lose track of time and are immersed in their own creative worlds. It has also fostered cross-age play, with children from all year levels collaborating on projects. Creativity is shining through in their original designs.”

With the help of Junior School students and Lynette Geroge (Birra) – Head of Indigenous Initiatives -the playground is now officially known as Walert Djilak Djirri, meaning Possum Play in the Woiwurrung language.

The ceremony included Wurundjeri Traditional Custodian Dr Mandy Nicholson, the College’s Revd Peggy Kruse, staff and student leaders.