The Police tape was cut today (Tuesday 19 November) marking the official opening of Early Start Discovery Space’s newest experience, Emergency! Emergency!
The new Experience models four of our emergency services – Police, Fire, Ambulance and SES – allowing children and adults to role-play as these vital members of our community and learn how to stay safe in an emergency.
Built in consultation directly with emergency services, the true-to-life Experience focuses on immersing children through play, while still delivering important emergency messages.
Emergency services representatives across Police, Fire, Ambulance and SES attended today and were able to see all their efforts first-hand, as well as engage directly with children and families.
Kirsten Anglet, Community Engagement Coordinator from the SES Wollongong unit said “It’s fantastic to see it completed, SES is really hard to represent in the younger demographic, and Early Start had done a great job!”
Children couldn’t wait to hop behind the wheel of Emergency! Emergency! Others enjoyed scanning their finger at the Police Station, while some children practised their bandaging technique at the Ambulance site. Other children enjoyed playing in the model kitchen, while learning about home fire safety.
“The Experience is going to be a great tool for educating our visitors, and linking our emergency services with the community,” said Martha Johnson Manager, Experiences & Visitors, Early Start Discovery Space.
Martha went on to say "littlies will be intrigued by the lights and sounds, and have fun exploring. Young ones will enjoy dressing up and role-playing. Older children will learn the different safety messages and understand their importance. Adults (we haven't forgotten you) can enjoy playing with your children and be taken on the imaginative journey, while picking up practical tips to keep your family safe".
As part of today’s launch, visitors had the opportunity to see all the real emergency vehicles and equipment that were onsite today.
The Emergency! Emergency! Experience is now open to the public, Tuesday – Sunday, 9am – 4pm.