We are partnering with the Australian and Victorian governments to get high-priority local community facilities off the ground, with construction of a new world class inclusive playspace at Rippleside to begin next month.
To be part of the Livvi's Place network, the Rippleside Inclusive Playspace will be the first of its kind in Geelong.
The multi-million dollar project is supported by $2.1 million from the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) program, $910,000 from the Victorian Government, and $1.7 million from Greater Geelong City Council.
Quintessential will also provide a valuable $300,000 contribution along with the Touched by Olivia Foundation's in-kind partnership.
It will include bespoke inclusive playspace equipment with sensory and artistic elements, fully accessible Changing Places toilet facilities and sitewide accessible connected pathways.
The park was designed in consultation with the local community, with feedback from children and families with lived experience of a disability, local school children and residents. It will be delivered by Orior Construct, who was awarded the contract during our August Council meeting.
Expected to be complete mid next year, it will replace the much-loved existing playground which was opened in 2001 and is now in need of replacement.
Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Corio, Richard Marles MP:
Having an all-inclusive play space is something the Geelong community have long called for, which is why the Albanese Government is proud to deliver $2.1 million to get this project off the ground.It will be fantastic to see work soon commence on this new playspace, which will provide an inclusive and welcoming space for children, families and the wider community to come together, play and learn for years to come.
Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:
I started my career in local government because I wasn't happy with a decision that was made about a playground in my own community, which is why I know that it's incredibly important for all levels of government to invest in dynamic spaces that bring people of all ages and abilities together for recreation and events.This unique and inclusive playspace is just one of many projects we're partnering with Greater Geelong City Council on, as part of over $18.2 million in LRCI funding from the Australian Government.
Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan:
I want to congratulate Orior on its bid and thank both the Australian and Victorian governments, as well as Quintessential and the Touched by Olivia Foundation, for the funding provided for this project.Playspaces that are inclusive offer so many benefits to local communities, including providing interactive play and bringing greater access for everyone to our urban areas.
Greater Geelong Councillor Eddy Kontelj:
This new playspace will be transformative for young children living in the Greater Geelong region.I am thankful for the Council's support in backing this project and look forward to seeing it come to life.
Ella George MP, Member for Lara:
The Rippleside Inclusive Playspace will be a world-class playground, offering a safe space for children of all abilities to enjoy playing outside and make new friends.The Victorian Government is committed to making active recreation facilities more accessible, welcoming and inclusive for all Victorians – and the Rippleside Inclusive Playspace is a great example of this.
Shane Quinn, Quintessential (funding provider to Touched by Olivia Foundation):
Quintessential is very proud to support the redevelopment of the Rippleside Park playground to produce a World's best practice, inclusive place space where everyone is welcome, valued and feel they belong.Our mission was to challenge and change the way play spaces are designed for the future so these designs become the norm for all play spaces.
Justine Perkins, Founder of the Touched by Olivia Foundation:
This is what happens when we decide to do better for children and families that experience barriers to play and belonging in our communities.We are delighted that the vision, development and commitment by all involved will ensure Rippleside will become a playspace that can now be used and loved by all.
