Bega to get a Livvi's Place

Bega Valley Shire Council hosted a very special guest last week when world renowned landscape architect and children’s advocate, Fiona Robbe came to town.

Fiona Robbe has been charged with designing the first inclusive playspace in Bega, to be located at Ford Park in Merimbula. This project has been championed by Merimbula Rotary and supported by national charity, Touched by Olivia.

Over the two day visit, Fiona met with hundreds of members of the community, and included two very special visits to our local schools.

Pambula Primary School shared their ideas with Fiona on what would make a playspace work for them. Merimbula Primary School Out of Hours School Care was the location for a very excited discussion.

“There was healthy discussions at the community consultation evening held at Club Sapphire. We had some wonderful community minded people there including the champions from Merimbula Rotary and supporters Our Merimbula. We can see from the feedback in person that there is a great need to create a special place for this town.”

Educator Caitlin Porteous  looks on as Noah Fialkowski is pointing to the image that Donna Campbell from Bega Valley Shire Council holds with the help of Brianna Whalley.

This playspace is being driven by the community. Local resident and Bega Valley Shire Council Youth co-ordinator Donna Campbell said she was delighted by the response.

“The kids were so excited to be asked what they wanted to see in their playground. They had some great ideas, but the biggest question was – When can we play there!”

Now is residents last chance to have their say on the playspace. The online survey will close Friday 29 November, so that all feedback and ideas can be collated and a concept design drawn by Fiona and her team.

Once the concept is delivered, the project is about to ramp up the fundraising efforts in the community and to business,  and will be applicable for many grants in 2014.  

The survey can be found at www.surveymonkey.com/s/MJX7PW3