The only inclusive and accessible swing on the Mid-North Coast has been made more accessible with the addition of shade sails to protect users from the summer sun.
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The Liberty Swing project was completed in 2018 after a community partnership lead by the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise and involving Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and other partners.
Over $50,000 was raised to fund the project.
The facility provides people of all ages with a disability, including those who use wheelchairs, the opportunity to experience the excitement brought about by the Liberty Swing.
Up until now the use of the swing in the hotter months was restricted because of the lack of shade.
The total cost of the shade sails project was in excess of $20,000 with financial contributions from Port Macquarie-Hastings Council through a community place making grant and donations by Omnicare Alliance and the Hope Shop Port Macquarie.
President of the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie Sunrise Carolyn Ireland, said members were delighted to be involved in initiating and managing another important community project.
"We could not have completed the project without the fabulous financial contributions from council, Omnicare and the Hope Shop, but also the in-kind contributions by others," Mrs Ireland said.
"We are just so proud that the swing will now be able to be used all year round with the shade now providing shelter from the elements.
"EIRE Constructions provided the machinery and equipment free of charge and Dorvik Steel gave us a discounted price for all the steel involved in the construction," she said.
"Club members provided 80 hours of on-job volunteer labour as well as coordinating the project in a voluntary capacity."
Port Macquarie-Hastings mayor Peta Pinson said the addition of shade will see the Liberty Swing protected from the heat making it more comfortable for those enjoying the swing.
"We are an extremely inclusive community, and with the addition of shade, I'm really looking forward to seeing the smiles on even more faces as those with disability enjoy this wonderful community asset," Mrs Pinson said.
"Partnering with local community groups is what council should be about and we are so glad that this has happened.
"In the future we would love to see other groups take up the project so that we can have more swings in our communities."
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