General News
23 January, 2026
Boards encourage inclusive play
SEVERAL playgrounds across the district, including the new play and skate park at Port Fairy, are now more inclusive of all abilities thanks to the installation of communication boards.
Moyne Shire Council has installed new communication boards at five playgrounds across the shire, helping make local play spaces more inclusive and welcoming for people of all abilities.
The brightly coloured boards feature grids of symbols and words that support communication for people who may find speech difficult or who use non-verbal forms of communication.
They can help users express thoughts, needs, wants and ideas by pointing to the symbols or using gestures while a communication partner points to the matching images.
Mayor Cr Jordan Lockett said the new boards were a simple but powerful way to make local spaces more accessible.
“Playgrounds are places where kids learn, laugh and connect – and everyone should be able to be part of that,” Cr Lockett said.
“These communication boards help remove barriers to inclusion by giving everyone a voice and making it easier for people to share ideas, have fun and feel part of their community.”
The communication boards can also support people with low literacy or language barriers, and act as a visual aid to enhance speech or clarify messages when speech is difficult to understand.
At Port Fairy Skate and Play, visitors will also find additional braille and tactile signage at the entrance to the playground to further improve accessibility.
Communication boards have also been installed at the Koroit Railway Playground, Hawkesdale Apex Park Playground, Macarthur Playground and Splashpad and the Mortlake Market Square Playground.
Cr Lockett said the project reflects council’s commitment to building inclusive and accessible public spaces, in line with its Disability Inclusion Action Plan.
“Accessibility isn’t just about ramps or pathways, it’s also about creating spaces that invite everyone to participate,” he said.
“These boards are another step toward ensuring our playgrounds are places where everyone feels welcome and included.”
