LETS JOIN FORCES TO GIVE THE HAWKESBURY THE INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND IT DESERVES!

Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman has welcomed the State Government’s announcement that it has allocated funds for an inclusive playground in South Windsor with an offer to join forces to create a world-class facility for families in the Hawkesbury.

"I’m delighted to announce that a Federal Labor Government will provide an extra $500,000 to ensure there is appropriate funding to give Hawkesbury families the inclusive play space they deserve," Ms Templeman said.

"That means $1 million will be available to build a fully inclusive playground, at the same standard that families across the country have received.

"Our costings, based on the ‘Touched By Olivia’ playgrounds already in existence elsewhere, tell us that you need to spend at least that to get a truly inclusive playground that caters appropriately for kids with high needs."

Earlier this year, Ms Templeman and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten met with Bligh Park mum Rachel Privitera and her son Cameron, who has severe cerebral palsy, epilepsy and other medical conditions, to discuss the need for a playground where kids like Cameron can play.

"Bill Shorten left the Hawkesbury that day with a clear understanding of what Rachel was asking for and I’m pleased to say he’s listened and we will commit to providing the funds needed to build a top class facility.

"If the State Government accepts our offer of $500,000 to build a $1million playground, this will be life-changing for kids and families like Cameron and Rachel.

"Rachel is an incredible advocate for her son, and last month she and I joined forces to build support for a playground so families don’t have to travel out of the Hawkesbury just to play on a swing, or bounce on a trampoline.

Last month, Ms Templeman created a petition to build support for the initiative. In a handwritten letter distributed along with a petition, Rachel described the heartbreak that Cameron feels when he can hear the other kids playing at a local park, but can’t join in. When they travel to an inclusive playground, they can stay for hours.

"The phone has not stopped ringing in my office. We took one call from a mum nearly in tears that we were pushing for an inclusive play space that her son could use. She saw hers and her son’s situation mirrored in Rachel and Cameron’s"

"We’ve had people offering to donate money to help, one gentleman has offered his house as the location for the playground – it’s been amazing but not surprising because we have an incredibly generous and giving community," Ms Templeman said.

Rachel Privitera said she too was in shock but was excited at the prospect of a world-class playspace b