Children of all abilities can now access a new playspace thanks in part to a donation by employee, Michael Henry, which was double-matched through BHP Billiton’s Matched Giving Program.

Livvi’s Place, the accessible community playground was officially opened this month with a ribbon cutting ceremony in Lyndhurst, Victoria.

Livvi’s Place is an inclusive playspace, designed to provide a unique environment for children of all ages and abilities to play side by side. These playspaces are planned and built by non-profit organisation Touched by Olivia – in consultation with leading academics, practitioners and non-government organisations – in recognition of the fact that many playspaces in Australia do not meet the needs of all members of the community.

In addition to community contributions and funding from the City of Casey and the Victorian Government, Livvi’s Place also received a significant donation from BHP Billiton employee, Michael Henry, whose generosity was doubled-matched by the BHP Billiton Matched Giving Program.

‘Growing up, my mum was in a wheelchair and I never had the opportunity to play with her in a suitable setting,’ said Michael when speaking about why Livvi’s Place is important to him. ‘When my friend from high school, Paula, reached out for support on social media to fundraise for an accessible playground for her son, Toby, I responded immediately.’

Toby has Cerebral Palsy and Livvi's Place offers him and his family, as well as other families in the community, an opportunity to play together.

Inclusive playspaces incorporate accessible pathways, passive areas, sensory and tactile play, accessible parking and more. These features are designed with consideration for users with physical disabilities and childhood disorders and their carers.

‘Building inclusive communities is only possible when we all come together with a shared vision, said Bec Ho, Executive Officer at Touched by Olivia Foundation. ‘We believe that inclusion in public places is necessary to create a world where people with differences are accepted and when individuals like Michael, who are supported by corporations like BHP Billiton get on board and work with us, we know that we are on the right path.’

’Being at the opening of Livvi’s Place was a humbling experience,’ said Michael. ‘It was like all the families’ Christmases had come at once for these children and their families. The Matched Giving Program is a great way for BHP Billiton employees to make their charitable contributions to their local organisations go further.’

BHP Billiton employees who wish to support the causes closest to their heart are encouraged to do so through the Matched Giving Program. The program doubles personal donations made by employees, meaning that for every dollar donated by an employee, BHP Billiton donates another two dollars.