New swing brings liberty

The Redland District Special School student was the first child to try out the new wheelchair-friendly swing at Raby Bay Foreshore Park, and she had a crowd of onlookers to applaud and cheer her on.

The local "Liberty Swing" was officially launched after months of hard work and fundraising by Variety Queensland, Ormiston College and Ormiston resident Stephen Whittam.

A procession of colourful characters joining the Brisbane to Sydney leg of the Variety Bash came along for the launch and brought their cars with them to celebrate the occasion.

Mr Whittam, who will contest the bash in the "Aussie Rock" car, came up with the idea for a local swing last year.

He said locals had been extremely supportive of the plan, with more than $31,000 donated.

"I had to get Redland City Council to ask if they'd cooperate and they've been fantastic," he said.

"Most of it has been $20 here and $100 there and $50 there."

Variety CEO David McDonald said launching the swings was one of the best parts of the job.

"You just can't beat that expression or that look of joy on a child's face," he said.

"I can guarantee the children who have been on this swing today, when they go to bed tonight they're going to be reliving that sensation again and again."

Ormiston College social justice committee prefects Sarah Richards and Georgia Dawson said it was great to see the results of the fundraising.

"It was just amazing to see the smiles on the children's faces as the swings were opened," Sarah said.