Tracy Hanna says people power helped her persuade Dubbo City Council to reverse a decision not to build a liberty swing in Dubbo.
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Ms Hanna approached council earlier this year to ask for permission to build a swing, offering to raise the money needed herself.
Her initial request was denied but when Ms Hanna posted her story on Facebook, hundreds came out in support, encouraging her to go back to council, and council to reconsider the proposal.
That meeting on Wednesday afternoon resulted in council agreeing to build a swing in the adventure playground to be situated at the Dubbo Botanical Gardens.
Ms Hanna won that battle but her new challenge is to raise $20,000 for the purchase of the swing to go into the new development.
Council will provide $15,000 which will go towards the installation of the swing, as well as softfall material to surround the swing.
DRC Parks and Landcare Services director Ian McAlister didn’t comment on council’s initial decision but said Wednesday’s meeting was positive.
“On the basis of the case they presented, council has made a commitment to the project and demonstrates that Dubbo Regional Council is responsive to the needs of the community,” he said.
“Ultimately the installation of the Liberty Swing is a win-win for the whole community.”
Ms Hanna said she was very happy with the victory but had already turned her attention to the fundraising.
“We’re really pleased that council has changed its mind but now we have another massive task to raise the total,” she said.
“I’m hoping the people who showed so much support for me and encouraged me to meet with council again can show the same passion and donate some money to reach the goal.”
Ms Hanna said she intended to start a Gofundme page, and was also planning auctions and Zumbathons to get close to the goal. Leading Edge had already donated $1000 to the cause while Dubbo RSL will hold a Black Tie Bingo event on July 22.
While she said the task of raising $20,000 by October was daunting, Ms Hanna is no stranger to the task, having led 18 previous fundraising campaigns.
They included raising more than $18,000 for a specialised wheelchair for a young Dubbo boy.
The Adventure Playground will also include disabled toilets, a new car parking area immediately adjacent to the playground, a senior fitness area, perimeter fencing, and at a later date, a café, according to Mr McAlister.
He said it would add to the overall development of the Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden as a community focal point.
Mr McAlister said he hoped the playground would be open by Christmas.
