Changing Places Australia Success

After working to support the development of the Changing Places campaign in Australia over the past three years, we are delighted to announce that the Victoria Coalition Government is investing $750,000 to build six Changing Places in popular public spaces and to provide a mobile facility to give people with a disability greater independence and to better support their families and carers.
At a Changing Places forum event attended by over 200 people the Minister for Disability Services and Reform, Mary Wooldridge, announced funding for the Changing Places toilets which provide a height adjustable adult-sized changing bench, a tracking hoist system, space for a person with a disability and two carers, as well as a non-slip floor and a safe and clean environment.
Ms Wooldridge said. “I am delighted to advise that we are currently working with the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) and the Melbourne Zoo for a Changing Places facility to be located at each of these wonderful locations, so that more people with disabilities can access and participate in the events and activities that these venues offer. Both the MCG and Melbourne Zoo have already taken steps to make their venues more accessible to people with disabilities, and their support for these enhanced facilities is the next step. In addition, a Changing Places facility will be incorporated into Rod Laver Arena as a part of the Victorian Coalition Government’s $338 million investment in Stage 2 of the Melbourne Park Redevelopment.”

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Community Services Andrea Coote said people with a disability can become isolated at home because of the challenges around accessing public facilities.
“The City of Maroondah has been a real leader, and are in the process of establishing Victoria’s first Changing Places bathroom facility and also having developed a portable Changing Places facility which is the first of its kind in Australia,” Mrs Coote said. “The Napthine Government is also funding a mobile Changing Places unit which will have an overhead ceiling hoist, a height adjustable adult change table, curtains for extra privacy, an access ramp, an automatic door and heating and cooling and can be hired out for public events.”

The additional three Changing Places sites will be selected in collaboration with The Association for Children with a Disability, who will work with their members to seek views on where Changing Places facilities should be located.
The Association will also receive $75,000 to support the implementation of the Changing Places initiative and to promote and educate other organisations and venues about the Changing Places concept as a catalyst for change across Victorian communities.

The official sponsor of the Changing Places campaign is Aveso Ltd. Aveso hope that its support for the campaign will help it achieve its target of 1000 registered Changing Places toilets within the next three years.

Top photo - Brendan McCarthy, his mum Di and father Bernard.

Middle photo - Parliamentary Secretary of Families and Community Services Andrea Coote MP