Graeme and Linda Gillbanks started their campaign for a wheelchair swing, known as a Liberty Swing, more than three years ago.

Big supporters of Variety, the couple got in contact with the charity to get the ball rolling on the project. 

They were told by the charity that they had to provide data proving that a Liberty Swing was not only wanted, but would be well utilised. 

The Gillbanks family gathered the data as instructed and provided it to Variety in early 2015. 

Variety was satisfied that a Liberty Swing would be used and gifted Bathurst with the swing, with council to pay for the installation, at a cost of around $20,000. 

Mr and Mrs Gillbanks had two meetings with council over the swing, the last in late 2015, and hasn't heard anything from council since. 

“We both just feel like we’ve been slapped in the face because we’ve done all of the groundwork,” Mrs Gillbanks said. “We just need council to get off its hands and get it installed.”

Council’s director of engineering, Darren Sturgiss, said the delay in installing the swing had been due to an insufficient budget for a broader project at the Adventure Playground. 

“The installation of the Liberty Swing was considered in a proposal for stage two works at the Adventure Playground, however, submitted tenders for stage two were declined at the time due to insufficient budget,” he said.  

“A report will be prepared for council’s consideration for installation of inclusive play equipment for the next stage of works.”

Mr and Mrs Gillbanks said the swing would be a great resource for the city. 

“It’s not just for wheelchair kids, it’s for anyone because you can sit down and strap someone into it,” Mrs Gillbanks said. 

She added that people travel to Orange and Blayney to use the swings there, so having one in Bathurst would make it easier for families. 

Mr and Mrs Gillbanks said the swing should be located close to playground equipment so people in wheelchairs could interact with other park visitors.