Sometimes profound loss becomes the catalyst for extraordinary change. This was true for Justine Perkins, who, together with her husband John, founded the Touched by Olivia Foundation in 2006 after the death of their eight-month-old daughter, Olivia. Determined to honour her daughter’s memory, Justine channelled her grief into creating hope and happiness for others.
From this vision came Livvi’s Place, a national network of more than 50 inclusive, intergenerational playspaces across Australia. It also brought about the Everyone Can Play guidelines in New South Wales, Australia, providing a framework for local governments, landscape architects, disability advocates, educators and community to incorporate into the design of intergenerational parks.
Each playspace is designed to bring families and communities together through play, fostering a sense of genuine inclusion and belonging. This groundbreaking approach is reshaping how public spaces are imagined, designed, and used in Australia.
Each playspace incorporates Universal Design Principles, Australian native vegetation, and interactive accessible play equipment, arranged to encourage exploration and spark a sense of wonder for people of all ages and abilities. Several sites also offer employment and work experience opportunities for people with disability through storytime and craft sessions.
The free playgrounds are a natural location for adults and children alike to enjoy physical and social activities together safely. The playgrounds in this story are both situated in Sydney, Australia.
What is the value of generations coming together in programs like this?
'The value is being part of a community and valuing people who bring different stories to the table. The value is the stories that are told between a wide spectrum of ages and experiences.' Justine Perkins, Founder Director Touched by Olivia
Life expectancy 2023
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