What is Livvi’s Place Ballarat?
Livvi’s Place Ballarat is a joint project of Ballarat City Council and the Touched By Olivia Foundation.
http://Why does Ballarat need a Livvi’s Place?
Support our fundraising efforts here: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/livvisplaceballarat
An inclusive play space is one that uses the concept of universal design. It is not a play space for people with disabilities, it is a play space for everyone! Many people in our community find it difficult to visit our existing playgrounds in Ballarat. Some reasons for this include:
• A family member, carer or friend uses a wheelchair or other mobility aid.
• A family member, carer or friend has a vision impairment.
• A family member or friend lacks road sense and needs a fenced play space in order to be
safe.
• A family member or friend has a sensory or intellectual disability that makes it difficult for
them to visit existing play spaces.
• A family member, carer or friend needs close access to an accessible toilet facility
The design for Touched by Olivia’s first outdoor play space, Livvi’s Place Five Dock has being heralded as one of global best practice, with the design process having the involvement of leading playspace experts, disability experts, architects and play space and early childhood academics. These thoughts were echoed when Parks and Leisure Australia awarded Livvi’s Place the Best Play Space in Australia in 2010. A shelf full of recognition includes a nomination for Accessible Communities at the National Disability Awards and the International Innovation Award from the World Leisure Organisation was awarded in recognition of our ground-breaking approach to community partnership and social inclusion. With Touched By Olivia on board, Livvi’s Place Ballarat will be a world class facility for all members of the community to enjoy!
Why do we need inclusive play spaces?
We aim to build inclusive play spaces for two main reasons
1. To help improve the health and happiness of our kids
TBOF inclusive play spaces encourage communities to become more involved in the outdoors, by providing a safe, fun place for all children and their families to meet and play. The benefits are enormous, including
For the parents
• Improved social networks, community association and a sense of belonging
• Improved understanding and confidence in their parenting skills
For the children
• Improved social, physical and emotional development
2. To remove the barriers between children of different abilities
Status and acceptance between adults of differing ethnicity and abilities is initially assigned during a child’s early years, with social interaction during play being a major factor. Also, siblings of children
with disabilities experience significant hardship as their families are unable to engage in the same outdoor activities as their peers. Inclusive play spaces provide a fun, safe, no confrontational environment where children, their siblings and families of all abilities can play and meet with others within the local community.
How can you help?
If you or someone you know wishes to make a direct donation towards the project, they can donate in one of 6 ways:
1. Run a fundraising event for Livvi’s Place Ballarat.
Contact Touched By Olivia Foundation for a copy of their fundraising guidelines if you wish to be covered by TBOs charity status.
2. Sponsor a piece of play equipment. Contact rebecca.ho@touchedbyolivia.com.au for a
sponsorship package.
3. Support a fundraising event for Livvi’s Place Ballarat.
4. By credit card via the Touched by Olivia website.
(mention Ballarat in the details)
https://touchedbyolivia.com.au/donate/
5. Direct donation
Account name: Touched By Olivia Foundation
Bank : National Australia Bank (NAB) Balmain
BSB number : 082 125
Acct number : 867180673
(mention Ballarat in the details)
6. Or send a cheque by good old fashioned snail mail to:
Touched by Olivia Foundation
Suite 507/19 Roseby St Drummoyne NSW 2047
If you’d like a receipt, please email
rebecca.ho@touchedbyolivia.com.au
with your transaction record.
