Victorians with disabilities and their carers will soon benefit from new well-equipped, accessible public toilets in three more locations across Victoria thanks to funding from the Andrews Labor Government, Minister for Housing, Disability & Ageing Martin Foley announced today.
In Ballarat today Mr Foley joined representatives from the Association for Children with a Disability and the deputy mayor of the City of Ballarat at Livvis Place, Victoria Park, to announce the location of three new Changing Places facilities.
Changing Places facilities are larger-than-standard accessible toilets and have extra features and more space to meet the needs of people with a disability and their carers.
Each facility has a height-adjustable, adult-sized changing bench, a tracking hoist system, and space for two people in a safe and clean environment.
The three new facilities, involving a total cost of $330,000, will be built at Victoria Park in Ballarat, the central business district in Shepparton and at the St Kilda Lifesaving Club.
The locations were chosen after a web poll of people with a disability, organised through the Association for Children with a Disability.
The Labor Government previously announced two Changing Places toilets at the MCG and Melbourne Zoo, as well as a facility that will be incorporated into the Rod Laver Arena, as a part of the Victorian Government’s $338 million investment in Stage Two of the Melbourne Park Redevelopment.
The Labor Government is also pleased to announce that it will provide $150,000 to the Association for Children with a Disability to support the promotion and implementation of the Changing Places facilities in other key locations across the state.
As well, $80,000 in Government funding has been made available to Maroondah City Council to build and manage a mobile Changing Places facility for use at festivals and events across Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability & Ageing, Martin Foley
“Since their introduction in England in 2006, there are now more than 700 Changing Places facilities across the United Kingdom, which shows you how invaluable people have found them.”
“As Minister for Housing, Disability & Ageing, I’m determined to see that social, recreational and community activities become more accessible for people with disabilities.”
“The Association for Children with a Disability has played a key role in the success of the Changing Places initiative and I’m pleased to provide $150,000 over two years to help it to continue its great work.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020