Over $1m for kids to play with

By Lachlan Ellis

The Premier was back at Maddingley Park last week, not to announce part funding for a new aquatics centre this time, but instead for an all-abilities playground to ensure “everyone is included”.

Daniel Andrews arrived in Bacchus Marsh at around midday on Friday 22 July, with local State Members Steve McGhie and Michaela Settle joining him alongside  Mayor Cr Tom Sullivan, and Councillors Tonia Dudzik, Moira Berry, Rod Ward, and Ally Munari.

The Premier said the $1.25 million investment for a play space at the Bacchus Marsh Racecourse and Recreation Reserve was fully funded in the Budget, and was not just a promise.

“Being included is very important. Being able to participate no matter your special needs, disability, or challenges and diversity you represent…just being able to have fun in ways some people may take for granted, is a big thing,” Mr Andrews said.

“It just stood to reason when Steve and Michaela came to me and said, ‘We need to do a little better in the Bacchus Marsh area, there’s not enough support, we’ve got growth…it’s important we keep pace with that’. So, I’m pleased to announce that we will invest $1.25 million to create an all-abilities play space at the Racecourse Reserve.”

The new play space will be the first of its kind in the area, and will include an adventure playground, walking trails, and sensory-friendly landscaping, to offer a variety of experiences for everybody.

The money will also go towards landscaping and walking trails.

Cr Sullivan thanked Premier Andrews, Mr McGhie and Ms Settle for the funding, and said it was important that people of all abilities felt included in the Moorabool community.

“No one left behind is part of the Australian ethos to some extent, I think that’s important. This facility will enable us to do that, it will enable people of all abilities to participate and play,” Cr Sullivan said.

“It will complement the other facilities at the Racecourse Reserve and benefit not just the town, but the region as a whole.”

Kat Barlow, a member of the Maddingley All-Abilities Playground Advisory Committee, said the play space would bring the community together.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the funds being allocated for the all-abilities playground. All children deserve the right to play together and socialise with their peers, so to have a new space where we can empower all kids to do that is very exciting. Every member of our community can now be included which is brilliant,” Ms Barlow said.

The play space is expected to be completed by mid-2023.