BMD makes a splash with healthy hydration for future generations

Donation of chilled hydration stations to encourage water consumption at St John Vianney’s Primary School

Students at St John Vianney’s Primary School will be feeling healthy and hydrated thanks to the instalment of three chilled water stations, generously donated and installed by Australia’s largest privately-owned civil contractor, BMD Group (BMD).

The ‘Hydration Station’ project was initiated to boost student’s water intake at the Manly school and will feature three chilled water units and three standalone bottle fillers.  

BMD, owned and operated by the Power family, has a long-standing history in the Wynnum-Manly region and a special personal connection to St John Vianney’s Primary School.

BMD Chief Executive Officer Scott Power explained that while the business, that was founded in Wynnum, regularly identifies opportunities to support the local community, this project was uniquely significant to his family.  

“This project is particularly rewarding as my brother, sister and I all attended St John Vianney’s Primary School when we were young, so having the opportunity to equip the future generation with healthy and sustainable habits is something we’re very proud of.

“BMD is incredibly proud to be involved in this project, alongside Urban+ who supplied the drinking fountains and refill stations, and the Wynnum Manly Leagues Club who supported the project as part of their Community Grants program.

“This donation is a testament to BMD’s dedication to the local community and its belief in the power of education and healthy living. The ‘Hydration Station’ will serve as a lasting reminder of the Power family’s connection to the school and commitment to its success.

“As a family operated business, we value the opportunity to give back to the region where BMD was founded back in 1979,” said Mr Power. 

As part of the installation, Daniel Richards from Kit Kreative design studio alongside his wife Toni Richards from BMD, who have children that attend the school, volunteered their time to illustrate and paint the mural design with Kylie Eastham from local sign writing business, JT Signs, encouraging students to “Stay Hydrated”.  

The new ‘Hydration Station’ will be complemented through an education program run by the school that is set to link good hydration to learning and encourage healthy habits for the future.  

Speaking to the project, St John Vianney’s Primary School Principal Katherine McKay said, “we are very grateful for the generosity and support of BMD, Daniel and Toni Richards and Wynnum Manly Leagues Club for their Community Grant. 

“This project supports our focus on learning and wellbeing at St John Vianney’s where we want our children to be happy, active and healthy. The students love having access to refrigerated water, particularly when it is hot, and easy access to fill up their drink bottles.

“As a school that values community, we thank BMD for their support and investment in St John Vianney’s and it will be a lovely reminder of the Power family’s history with our school,” said Principal McKay.

The students of St John Vianney’s Primary School celebrated the unveiling of the ‘Hydration Station’ on Monday 19 June with the Power siblings – BMD Chief Executive Officer Scott Power, BMD Group Executive Director – People and Process Dare Power, and Prospero Arts Managing Director Hayley Johnson – in attendance.