On April 1st, the official opening of Rolleston’s Beazley Park took place to the delight of local children and their families. The new and improved park is all thanks to the Rolleston Progress and Tourism Association, Central Highlands Regional Council, and Glencore’s Rolleston Open Cut mine.

It was a fun filled day with laser tag and jumping castles for the kids and Rolleston Open Cut cooking up a storm on the barbecue to celebrate the successfully completion of Rolleston Progress and Tourism Association’s decades long project to beautify Beazley Park.

The Rolleston Progress and Tourism Association is a community group established in 1992, which consists entirely of local volunteers. Their aim is to improve the facilities, events and communications of Rolleston to enhance the lives of the local community and beyond.

A couple of decades ago, the only visitors to the barren Beazley Park were local goats who would wander in to drink from an old water trough that lay among the overgrown grass and prickles.

Seeing past the dereliction, the Association obtained Beazley Park and over the last few decades one of their projects has been transforming it into a place that everyone can enjoy.

First, they relocated Purbrook Hut to Beazley Park. Purbrook Hut is made from pieces of a grand homestead built in the 1860s. Today, when you enter this quaint old building, you can learn about the history of Rolleston from information proudly displayed on its walls.

Next came the relocation of the old post office building to Beazley Park, saving it from being torn down. Repurposed as an art gallery, it features local exhibitions as well as being home to a book swap that is used by both locals and visitors.

The restoration and relocation of both buildings not only ensures their historical significance is preserved, but also allows them to be accessed and enjoyed by all.

Seven years ago, the Association also established the Rolleston Coffee Cart at Beazley Park. Open from April to September, it provides delicious home-baked goods and fresh coffee and also and serves travellers as a driver reviver station. All profits from it go towards the Association’s projects.

The latest addition to Beazley Park is the one the kids have all been waiting for. The outdated and unsafe playground has been replaced with new play equipment thanks to the $135,674 in funding provided by Glencore’s Rolleston Open Cut.

Bloss Hickson, President of the Rolleston Progress and Tourism Association, said it was wonderful to finally see the hard work of so many years brought to fruition.

“The park has been a whole community project over many years, from the buildings moved, the cement paths and the surrounding fence. The locals have put their heart and creativity into making it a great place to be,” said Bloss.

“It’s all thanks to the work of our volunteers, Rolleston Open Cut, and the Central Highlands Regional Council.

“We are very proud of what we have created here in the heart of Rolleston. With Purbrook Hut, an art gallery, coffee cart, outdoor cinema, playground, and picnic facilities, we have transformed an uninviting area into a space that will bring happiness to all the families in our community, and to all those that pass through.”

If you would like to know more about the Rolleston Progress and Tourism Association and their projects, or to find out how you can volunteer, you can contact them at the Rolleston Coffee Cart in the Park Facebook page