The school competed with more than 2000 submissions from schools and organisations throughout Australia for one of 190 grants.

It will use the money for new playground equipment.

A 16-station streamlined Fitness Centre with individual circuit activities and a Micro Spida climbing apparatus with rigid and flexible web will be bought and a Daily Physical Activity Specialist will be employed for six months.

The specialist will advise staff and train the students in daily physical PE using the apparatus and the school’s Principal Peter Treloar said he was thrilled with the school’s win.

“I felt proud because a lot of work went into the submission and I feel the equipment will inspire them to want to exercise and make healthy choices in their diet and make them face physical challenges and be active,” Mr Treloar said.

Healthy Eating Champion Angela Devlin agrees the students will benefit from the equipment because it will add to their exercising schedule.

“If they find it fun then, when they have the choice at home, they will be able to choose physical activity instead of sitting in front of the computer.” she said.

St Patrick’s is the only Catholic school in the diocese to win the grant and the project is expected to be finished by the end of 2009.