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Published on 07 February 2025
Installation of new all-abilities play equipment at Lakes Edge Playground in Hamilton, will commence next week, ensuring more children can play, connect, and have fun together.
These amenities have been funded by Better Together Inc, a locally based not-for-profit that seeks to create visibility and foster inclusion of the disability community in the Southern Grampians community. They have done an extraordinary job fundraising for accessible, all abilities, shared play spaces in the region.
Last year Better Together Inc held major fundraising event, the Better Together Festival in the Hamilton Botanic Gardens which raised over $37,000 in a single day for this very worthy cause.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin said the project is a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together.
“This equipment is an incredible gift to the people of the Shire. The Better Together festival was awarded the Community Event of the year at the recent Australia Day celebrations in recognition of not only a fantastic event for the Shire, but also the community spirit with which it was organised.
“Better Together Inc have held a number of fund-raising initiatives, from concerts to old fashioned tin shaking, all around the Shire. The money raised has funded both a Sway-Fun, which is a wheelchair accessible glider, as well as an inclusive carousel designed for all abilities. Council was delighted to contribute the cost of site preparation and installation and ongoing maintenance of the equipment” he said.
Janelle Gilding from the Better Together Festival committee was delighted with the outcome of the fundraising efforts.
“We live in a very connected community, and one that wants to make sure everyone is included. This project is a testament to our community’s commitment and openness to inclusivity and unity.”
To allow for the safe installation of the new equipment, part of the playground will be temporarily fenced off from February 10 to February 18. However, the toilet block and barbecue facilities will remain open.
All works will meet Australian Standards and Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requirements to ensure safety, accessibility, and inclusivity.
Thank you for your patience while we bring these fantastic upgrades to life!
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