A giant puzzle inspired mural covers the walls of the junior playground at the Chalmers Road School in Strathfield, bringing a fresh sense of energy to the heart of the campus.
The school, which provides tailored learning programs for students with intellectual disabilities, received a NSW Ports Community Grant last year and used the money to engage a mural artist to create and design the artwork.
“The existing murals were haphazard and disconnected and didn't encourage the sense of wonder and play that brings out the best in our students,” said Richard Manchee, school principal.
“When stepping into the role of principal in 2025, it was important to me to review our spaces within the school and see where we could revitalise these for our students. Working in disability, our students deserve the best environments to learn and play, and we identified the junior playground as a priority area.”
Inspired by the bursts of colour in the playground’s softfall surfacing, artist Hugues Sineux developed a puzzle themed mural.
“We were thrilled by Hugues’ concept,” said Mr Manchee. I see this project as having a two-pronged impact. Firstly, the ability of our students to enjoy their spaces, to play in an area that encourages their imagination and feeds their creativity. This is an impact that brings joy every day to our students and the staff that see them enjoying the space. The second is the impact on the broader school community. Where our staff and families know they are valued by the broader community, by organisations such as NSW Ports who see the investment of ensuring students with disabilities have beautiful spaces as worthwhile. The knowledge that the community care about their children.”
Chalmers Road School was among 17 local organisations to receive 2025 Community Grants across the communities close by the NSW Ports sites of Port Botany, Port Kembla, Enfield and Cooks River.
NSW Ports CEO Marika Calfas said the organisation was delighted to support the school through the grants program, which reflect an ongoing commitment to education and wellbeing in the communities surrounding our port and intermodal precincts.
“Our Community Grants Program is all about supporting organisations that make a real difference locally. Chalmers Road School’s entrance artwork is a wonderful example of how a small boost can help create something meaningful for the whole school community,” said Ms Calfas.
To apply for the NSW Ports 2026 Community Grants Program, or for more information, visit: www.nswports.com.au/2026-community-grants. Applications close at 5:00pm Sunday 12 April 2026.
