Premier

Werribee Zoo Now Accessible To All Victorians

31 July 2019

All Victorians can now access the exciting animal sites at Werribee Open Range Zoo with the opening of Victoria’s newest Changing Places facility.

Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan today unveiled the new cutting-edge change room and toilet facility that will mean people of all abilities can access the zoo.

Changing Places are larger than standard accessible toilets and have extra features such as a tracking hoist and more space to meet the needs of people with a disability.

The Andrews Labor Government is providing $2.6 million to fund a network of 26 Changing Places across Victoria with Zoos Victoria receiving $100,000 for the Werribee Open Range Zoo facility.

Victoria was the first Australian state to launch Changing Places and continues to lead the way nationally in making public spaces more accessible.

Werribee Zoo now hosts the third Changing Place within Victoria’s major zoo network, complementing a facility recently opened at Healesville Sanctuary and a longer-standing facility at Melbourne Zoo. There are now more than 100 Changing Places across Australia.

Changing Places is a key priority of the Absolutely Everyone State Disability Plan for 2017–2020, which will see the Labor Government support a range of actions in partnership with the community to achieve greater inclusion.

To find out more about Changing Places and to find a facility near you please visit https://changingplaces.org.auExternal Link .

Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan

“We want all Victorians to be able to participate in activities that many of us take for granted like visiting Victoria’s wonderful zoos - and Changing Places is a key part of making that a reality.”

“This fantastic new facility opens up the last of Melbourne’s zoos to people with high support needs and their carers.”

“The Labor Government is working to achieve greater social inclusion for all Victorians, and the Changing Places facility moves us closer towards that goal.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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