The Victorian Government has announced $2.3 million in funding for 13 new Changing Places facilities across Victoria with four of these facilities co-funded by the Commonwealth Government.
Each Changing Place has a height-adjustable adult-sized changing table, a ceiling tracking hoist system, and enough space for two people either side of a peninsular toilet, making community spaces and events more accessible for people with disability.
Victoria will offer grants of up to $180,000 to councils, not-for-profit community organisations and tourist destinations to construct fully accessible toilet facilities to ensure public spaces can be enjoyed by all members of the community and visitors, including people with disability.
Additional sites to receive funding for Changing Places facilities include the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Smiths Beach foreshore at Phillip Island and other public places such as playgrounds, libraries and parks.
In a Victorian first, the Maribyrnong, Wellington, Moorabool and Buloke local government areas will also benefit from Changing Places funding, in addition to a portable facility for events and festivals also made available in the Melton region.
Victorian Disability Advisory Council member, Martin Heng said he had long been a supporter of the Changing Places program. “I’ve been a huge fan of the Changing Places program ever since I first heard about it in the UK,” he said.
“These facilities are incredibly important to allow people with high support needs, particularly those who need a hoist to be able to use the toilet, to get out into the community. I believe every leisure centre should be equipped with one, and that there should be at least one in every locality.”
Since 2015 the Victorian Government has invested around $10.4 million in new Changing Places initiatives, supporting the construction of 70 facilities.
For more information about Changing Places visit the Department of Social Services website.