MEDIA RELEASE REQUEST
2nd August 2011
Many hands make Liberty Swing a reality for Hervey Bay Community
A Variety Liberty Swing is the latest addition to the All Abilities Playground located within the Seafront All Abilities Playground at Pialba and will be officially opened on Wednesday 17th August at 2pm.
The Seafront All Abilities Playground located on the Esplanade in Hervey Bay has been specifically designed to cater for children with special needs and the Liberty Swing is a major attraction for children with physical impairments or in wheelchairs.
Swinging through the air is a sensation most of us have taken for granted throughout our childhood.
Now thanks to the Rotary Clubs of Hervey Bay, Fraser Coast Regional Council and Variety Queensland, children with physical impairments or in wheelchairs will now have the opportunity to create these same happy memories.
Smiles and squeals of excitement are often guaranteed with children on a Variety Liberty Swing as they swing in the park with their friends and family.
Funding for the Liberty Swing was supported through the Fraser Coast Regional Council and also via the efforts of all three of Hervey Bay’s generous Rotary Clubs: the Rotary Club of Hervey Bay City, Rotary Club of Hervey Bay and the Rotary Club of Hervey Bay Sunrise.
The Liberty Swing will enable children of all abilities to play together, and is the first of its kind for Hervey Bay
“Members from the Rotary Clubs of Hervey Bay are absolutely delighted to see the completed Liberty Swing in use, after 2 years of planning, fundraising and campaigning for what is
such an important community asset” said Richard Watt, outgoing President of Rotary Hervey Bay City.
“The addition of the Liberty Swing in Hervey Bay will ensure all children can enjoy our playground facilities, no matter their abilities or disabilities, and as Rotary is dedicated to fair and equal community services this project is very close to our hearts. I would like to thank everyone involved in the project but in particular special thanks must go to all the members and supporters of the three Rotary Clubs in Hervey Bay,” Mr Watt said.
Fraser Coast Mayor Mick Kruger said that placing the swing in the right location was an important consideration.
“We had a number of possible locations across the Coast, but needed to make sure we chose an area that had facilities to complement the swing,” Cr Kruger said.
Variety Queensland CEO Les Riley said that the Liberty Swing works much the same way as an ordinary swing, but has been designed and engineered to accommodate a wheelchair.
“The Liberty Swing is a great invention that allows kids with both physical and intellectual impairments to enjoy the freedom that able bodied children have always had.
“All kids should have the right to the same privileges and having fun on a swing in the park is no exception. The addition to the playground will put many smiles on the faces of children, families and their carers,” he said.
In 2010, Variety Queensland was able to have a positive effect on the lives of over 55,000 children in need. With the assistance of our generous supporters, Variety Queensland provided equipment and services with a value in excess of $2.5 million
Media Enquiries:
Georgie Benham, Public Relations
Email – georgie@varietyqld.org.au Ph: 0458 683 326
Georgie Benham, Public Relations
Email – georgie@varietyqld.org.au Ph: 0458 683 326
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Variety Queensland?
Variety Queensland - the children’s charity, is dedicated to empowering Queensland children who are sick, disadvantaged or who have special needs to LIVE, LAUGH and LEARN.
We believe that all children should be given the opportunity to make the most of their abilities and to achieve their aspirations and goals.
Variety is involved in everything from lifesaving operations and Sunshine Coaches for school children in remote or disadvantaged communities, to equipment for children’s hospitals, communication and mobility devices, wheelchairs and walking frames, camps for sick and disabled children, learning aides and much, much, more.
All of the net funds raised by Variety Queensland are spent on children or children’s organisations within Queensland. An appeals committee makes recommendations to the board for approval of funds to be spent. This is generally by way of goods and services.
Variety Queensland receives no direct government funding.
Variety Queensland delivers real and lasting outcomes to people who need it most – Queensland’s special needs children.
The Inspiration
THE VARIETY STORY…
It all started in Pittsburgh, USA, in 1927 when a group of 11 young men working in a theatre formed a social club called “Variety”.
On Christmas Eve in 1928 at a party in the Sheridan Theatre, Pittsburgh, an infant girl was found in the stalls of the Theatre. Attached to the blanket in which the baby was wrapped, was a note:
“Please take care of my baby. Her name is Catherine. I can no longer take care of her”… signed a broken hearted mother.
Proving the heart of show business was in fact a big one, members of the first Variety Club decided to foster the baby. She was officially named Catherine Variety Sheridan. The members of the Club enthusiastically set about ensuring Catherine was well provided for and in no time at all, she had more than one child could use. The Club directed its attention to other needy children and thus began… Variety!
“Please take care of my baby. Her name is Catherine. I can no longer take care of her”… signed a broken hearted mother.
Proving the heart of show business was in fact a big one, members of the first Variety Club decided to foster the baby. She was officially named Catherine Variety Sheridan. The members of the Club enthusiastically set about ensuring Catherine was well provided for and in no time at all, she had more than one child could use. The Club directed its attention to other needy children and thus began… Variety!
We are humbled by the generosity of Australians who share our vision and who support our programs.
Bash fun begins in Hervey Bay
A convoy of vehicles, like no other, will depart from Pialba Shopping Centre at 7am on Thursday 18 August for the 2011 XXXX Gold Variety Bash and spend the next 9 days exploring the stunning Queensland countryside before culminating their adventure at the Optus Gympie Music Muster.
As thousands of Humpback whales descend upon Hervey Bay this winter, so too will over 100 colourful cars and 400 colourful characters to commence the epic expedition of a lifetime that is the 22nd XXXX Gold Variety Bash.
Participants in this year’s Bash will visit 17 schools along the way and in the first 24 hours alone will present much needed equipment and resources to enhance learning programmes at Hervey Bay State High School, Howard State School and Gayndah State School.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Bash?
The Variety Bash started as a drive in the Outback with a few mates. In 1985, Adventurer Dick Smith took a group of intrepid motorists from Bourke to Bourketown in their old cars, raising money for charity along the way.
All of the money raised went to the Variety Club of Australia to further its support of sick, disabled and disadvantaged children.
Since then the spirit of the original idea has been retained. Every entrant has to raise money for Variety and all vehicles must be 30 years old or older at the time of entry and not performance modified. The Bash is not a race, rally or speed trial. The single most significant rule of the Bash is to relax and enjoy the event away from everyday pressures, while seeing and experiencing the splendour of the Australian Outback.
Who can take part?
Entry is limited to those who have enough cunning, resolve, determination and intelligence to persuade sponsors, family and friends to come up with a suitable amount of donations for Variety Queensland.
What is a Bash Vehicle?
Bash vehicles are not race or rally cars; they are lovingly restored jalopies in all shapes and sizes from all over the world. They must be 30 years old or older at the time of entry. They cannot be motorbikes or motorised wheelbarrows. They must be 2 wheel drive, and they cannot have any ‘go faster’ modifications. Improvements may be made in the interests of improved safety, but not for speed.
How much?
A Bash car entry fee is $330 and is not tax deductible or refundable. In addition, each entry pledges to raise a minimum of $7,500 as a donation to Variety Queensland. A provisions levy is also applicable each year, covering each participant’s meals, some merchandise, entertainment etc.
FACT SHEET
Fast Facts: 105 Bash Cars, 37 Official Vehicles, 14 Support Vehicles, 410 people, 3,000 kms
Summary of Presentations of equipment to State Schools:
Media are invited to join the following presentations:
Weds 17 Aug 2pm Seafront All Abilities Playground
