Students from the Mid North Education Centre were extremely excited to receive their new bus.
It was the ‘wheels on the bus’ all over again as the Mid North Education Centre’s new coach rolled into town on Wednesday.
The students were excited to finally have a big bus of their own, hopping on to go for a drive as soon as the official presentation was completed.
Sponsored by Variety, the children’s charity, and the Australian Hotels Association, the bus will be a welcome addition to the centre.
For Principal Anna McNeil, getting a bus would have been an impossible task for the centre alone.
“When it comes down to it, we could not have done it without the help of these organisations,” she said.
“We fully appreciate the hard work the Variety Club has put into getting us this bus.”
Having a bus big enough to take all the students is special for the centre and they’re looking forward to getting out and into the community.
“It means students will be able to access the community as a group, which gives them a safe and inclusive way to travel,” said Mrs McNeil.
“The centre is continually evolving, which really enriches what we are able to do.”
Chief executive officer of Variety and former Adelaide Crows footballer Nigel Smart was on hand to present the bus to the centre, saying it is “great to be involved”.
“Variety is very proud of our regional connections and we are glad to be included in this,” he said.
“Our fundraisers spent a lot of time and energy to raise the money for the bus, and so to see the kids so excited…it is a great result.”
Australian Hotels Association manager Brian Smith was present, saying the company was “very privileged to sponsor something like this”.
Representative for the Regional Department for Education and Child Development Jenne Chegwidden said she was amazed by the opportunities the site will have with the new vehicle.
“Students will be able to go into the community and have different experiences that they will then be able to bring back to the classroom,” she said.
“I would like to commend Anna and the community for appealing for the funds… it is just great to see the students so excited.”