Lobbying for loos at Cardinia Lakes

Children need access to toilet facilities at Easton Reserve Pakenham, a kindergarten teacher has said. Photos: SUPPLIED

By Shelby Brooks

A kindergarten is calling on Cardinia Shire Council to install bathroom facilities at Cardinia Lakes, Pakenham.

Tamika Hicks, owner and manager of Cardinia Lakes Early Learning Centre, said her young students needed access to a toilet at the lake at at Eastone Reserve so they didn’t have to walk back down to the centre when nature called.

“I started the petition because our kindergarten team take the kids to the quarry a lot and all too often we have to cut it short because they need to go to the toilet,” Tamika said.

“We could stay up there a lot longer and get more out of the program if there was a toilet there.”

At least once a week, Tamika takes the students across to the lake to undergo bush kindergarten.

“We know bush kinder has so many benefits,” she said.

“Those benefits are education outcomes, social development, language development, risk taking and problem solving.

“And of course kids can get in touch with nature and learn to be more respectful of natural environment.

“With lockdown, children aren’t always able to get out and get fresh air. Not everyone has the privilege of having a backyard.”

The petition has gained 200 signatures.

Pakenham Hills Ward councillor Jack Kowarzik said he was aware of the community’s request for public toilet facilities at Eastone Reserve in the Cardinia Lakes Estate.

“The council has a public toilet strategy which outlines our approach to building and upgrading facilities, and includes a capital improvement plan for existing facilities,” he said.

“The council investigates proposals on their merits keeping in mind competing priorities, our expenditure program and funding opportunities.”

To sign the petition, head to change.org/p/cardinia-shire-council-access-to-toilet-facilities-at-the-quarry-park-cardinia-lakes-estate.