City of Greater Geraldton to consult with stakeholders to replace wheelchair carousel that severed boy’s toe

The City of Greater Geraldton has removed a merry-go-round from the foreshore which severed a young boy’s toe in August, and will replace it with another type of playground equipment. Jaeger Verryt, 5, was playing with friends at the youth precinct on the Geraldton foreshore on August 12 when his pinky toe was severed by the moving parts of the merry-go-round, requiring him to be rushed to hospital and then flown to Perth by the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Department of Fire and Emergency Services crews rushed to the scene, pulling apart the wheelchair-accessible carousel to retrieve the boy’s toe, but doctors advised it was far too damaged to be reattached. The inclusive merry-go-round, donated by Variety WA in 2015, was cordoned off by City rangers and eventually removed last month. City CEO Ross McKim said as a result of the incident, the City had updated its processes relating to playground equipment audits to ensure safer parks and playgrounds. “The subsequent investigations are still ongoing,” he said. “However the decision was made to remove the carousel to prevent any future similar incidents from occurring.” Mr McKim confirmed the equipment would be replaced following a consultation process with stakeholders. “The City also understands how important accessible and all-ability play equipment is to our community and we will work with relevant stakeholders and interested parties to consider what equipment would be appropriate for its replacement,” he said. A Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety spokesperson confirmed a WorkSafe investigation remained ongoing. In August, Jaeger’s mother Ebony Verryt said she didn’t blame the City for the incident but was more frustrated at the manufacturer, which she believed could have included more protection around the equipment to help safeguard children. “I’ve got three kids, I’m understanding that accidents happen, kids trip over, they slip, they fall, they break bones or dislocate things — that I understand,” she said. “That’s just part of being a kid and playing outdoors, but I do not think that the child should lose a body part at a public playground.”