PHOTO: Supplied
Liberty swing for disabled children opens this morning
- Share this story
COUNCIL: Valmar’s long awaited “Liberty Swing” will be officially opened at 11am this morning at Yass’ Coronation Park by mayor Rowena Abbey, CEO of Valmar Support Services Hugh Packard and managing director Southern Phone Mark Warren.
The Liberty Swing is an Australian innovation that provides people in wheelchairs the opportunity to experience the joy of swinging.
It was made possible by a $25,000 community grant from regional telecommunications provider, Southern Phone.
Installation of the Liberty Swing was a joint initiative of Variety NSW, Valmar Support Services, Yass Rotary, Andalini Incorporated, Mr Keith Rosario and Yass Valley Council, said Mrs Abbey.
“The Liberty Swing is a world-first Australian innovation and it is through the support of Southern Phone and the dedication of a number of local residents, charities and communities groups within Yass that we are able to officially open the swing today in Coronation Park,” she said.
Mr Packard said Valmar was dedicated to providing assistance to people with a disability, “and we are exceptionally proud to have been able to bring a Liberty Swing to the residents and visitors of Yass Valley”.
“On behalf of the community I would like to thank Southern Phone for making this project financially possible and to also acknowledge and thank the tireless efforts of the other community groups, companies, individuals and council involved in this project.”
More than $1 million has been distributed between 41 mostly regional Council areas in NSW as part of a new Southern Phone community grant initiative.
The program will see the telecommunications provider support community projects in each of its shareholder council areas to the value of $25,000 this year.
“Southern Phone’s local councils are our only shareholders, which means all profits are returned through programs such as the Grant Scheme. The Liberty Swing is a wonderful example of how these funds are able to create a positive difference in the community,” Mr Warren said.
