Water park opens

Children’s Week 2019 was celebrated at separate events held last week in Finley, Barooga, Tocumwal and Berrigan.The events were hosted by the Berrigan Shire Council with the help of Intereach, Centacare, local Lions Clubs, Smithers Orchards and the Rotary Club of Tocumwal.At least 450 kids and their families contributed to making a jam packed week of events in local parks a success.‘‘Initially developed to raise awareness of the needs of young families and the services and supports in our communities, this years’ Children’s Week was an example of how far we have come since we first ran Children’s Week in 2011,’’ shire strategic and social planning coordinator Jo Ruffin said.‘‘In 2011, with the help of local schools, council libraries and Intereach the idea was to showcase the resources available to families in each of our towns and in doing so talk about what more we can do to support families and children.’’This year’s KidsFest events were held at Finley’s new skate park, Barooga’s new Adventure Park, Tocumwal’s new and extended library, and the Mud Run at the Berrigan Golf and Bowls Club.‘‘KidsFest has been instrumental in raising the profile of families with younger children who live in our shire, and helped generate support within our communities for the upgrade of many of the facilities now used by them and our visitors.’’