The passion and drive of Noah Dobson and what he has achieved in making one of our most popular playgrounds more inclusive cannot be underestimated.
In 2025 Noah was made Hobart Children’s Mayor because of his drive to see communication boards installed in every playground across Hobart.
Communication boards help kids who rely on non-verbal communication to chat and connect with others.
"Long Beach Reserve playground is a perfect example of how inclusive playgrounds around the world should be,” says Noah.
"This new upgrade has made the park way more inclusive, and has let my brothers, Caleb and Riley, have more fun, while connecting with people safely.
"This amazingly accessible playground should hopefully be the first of lots more inclusive areas in our community.
"In the future, we should see even more communication boards, not just in parks, but also in schools and other public spaces."
Inspired by family
Noah’s passion for building inclusive playgrounds is driven by his love for his two younger brothers, Caleb, eight, and Riley, six. Both use tools with symbols like ‘hungry’, ‘home’ and ‘swing’ to help them communicate.
The upgraded playground now also includes a Smooth Ship Glider, with plenty of space for a person in a wheelchair and their mates, a carousel that accommodates a wheelchair, and a 5-way swing that brings together kids of all abilities.
Also helping to launch the newly upgraded playground equipment and communicator board joining was Lily Gatehouse, who at just 9 years of age is already an incredible advocate in the disability sector.
Lily lives with a rare vision impairment and loves the fact the communicator board includes braille.
Lily with her mum Gemma and two brothers.Empowering our kids
The communication boards were designed by Variety Tasmania and incorporate visual symbols, Braille and essential signs.
Mohammad Aldergham is the CEO of Variety Tasmania, the children's charity that empowers children to live without limits.
He says Variety Tasmania is committed to increasing accessibility in playgrounds across the state and has seen firsthand how communication chat boards markedly improve engagement between children of all abilities.
"For children who use augmented or other forms of non-verbal communication, a playground can sometimes feel isolating,” he says.
“Chat boards help break down those barriers by giving children a simple way to express themselves, connect with others and join in play.
"We've seen these boards spark conversations, create friendships and build understanding between children who may communicate in different ways."
Fully funded by the City of Hobart, more kids can now enjoy the beautiful Long Beach Reserve playground, which raises the bar in accessibility, making sure this playground can be enjoyed by all children.
Thank you Noah, your passion for building inclusive playgrounds is an inspiration.
Noah, Mohammad and Lily next to one of two new communicator boards.