General News
13 August, 2026
Late author funds school’s new chill zone
A FINAL act of community contribution from late historian Florence Charles has helped Noorat Primary School students build a space where they can unwind.
The doors to the school were opened to visitors, including close friends of Mrs Charles, on Monday for the grand opening of the school’s new ‘chill zone’.
The project had received funding thanks to a donation on behalf of Mrs Charles, a dedicated historian who had published a number of works detailing the history of Darlington, Mortlake, Mackinnon’s Bridge and various prominent families.
Sandra Roderick, a neighbour and best friend to Mrs Charles, was tasked with the ribbon cutting as she had been a driving force behind seeing the donation made.
“Flo had a book published which was sold at The Shed,” she said.
“I decided all the money should come here to the children because she loved the school, loved the area and it would be a lovely dedication to her.”
Mrs Roderick acknowledged the moment was a tear-jerker but said she was elated to be involved in a donation which she knew would make her beloved friend proud.
“All the kids are getting a book as well,” she said.
“Whatever they want, they can go and get it – I’ve donated the money for that too.”
Noorat’s Lynn Patzel spoke before a crowd of around 50, saying Mrs Charles had left behind a legacy which would help generations ahead to understand the beginnings and progression of life in Noorat.
“She delighted in information for children and that is why we’re here – to share this lovely space created by the school but funded by the sale of Florence’s last book,” she said.
“Flo explored the act of inquiry itself, delving into the process of uncovering, interpreting and sharing the past.
“She took on the responsibility of a historian, the importance of stories and the impact of her work into the future.
“Her knowledge of time and history was so inquisitive, and she was always the one to ask the further questions.
“Flo had a caring community presence that will be remembered as hers alone, a unique vitality that will be recalled by us, who were her friends, with respect.”
Mrs Patzel said she cherished the opportunity to reflect on the positive impact her friend had made.
“We wanted something that would honour her because she was a dear friend,” she said.
Noorat Primary School principal Ilona Watkins said the space was a culmination of the generosity Mrs Charles had for her community, and the emerging leadership of Noorat Primary School’s young students.
“The concept for the space emerged from the annual Student Leaders Congress, which is held at Deakin University every year,” she said.
“Our students went across for the day where they heard a lot of inspiring speakers before being tasked with creating a project to improve health and wellbeing which could be brought back to their school and community.
“Our students came back and thought about what they would love to have within our school, and the chill zone was the final product.”
Mrs Watkins said the tight-knit nature of the community meant a small school could still have big opportunities.
“The chill zone includes a collaborative mural which was done with local artist Sandy Noonan, who was our hands-on learning artisan so she was able to come back and be part of it,” she said.
“The students also got a giant chess board, giant Connect Four, snakes and ladders, beanbags and a cupboard of hands-on activities such as playdough, blocks, drawing and colouring.
“For them to have the opportunity to come up with an idea and, thanks to the generosity of Florence Charles, for that to be put into place was incredible.”
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