The Andrews Labor Government is improving accessibility for people with disability, supporting the construction of 13 new Changing Places facilities in the community.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Lizzie Blandthorn today announced $2.3 million in funding for 13 Changing Places facilities – with grants going to councils, not-for-profit community organisations and tourist destinations to construct fully accessible toilet facilities, making sure public spaces can be enjoyed by all Victorians and visitors.
Sites to receive up to $180,000 for new facilities in this round of Changing Places grants 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 benefit from Changing Places funding with the addition of a portable facility for events and festivals which will also be available in the Melton region.
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.
Since 2015 the Labor Government has invested around $10.4 million in new Changing Places initiatives, supporting the construction of 70 facilities. In 2022-23, the Labor Government’s Changing Places program invested $5.4 million to build 30 new facilities throughout Victoria.
This round of Changing Places grants is being delivered in partnership with the Albanese Labor Government which is contributing $340,000 for facilities in Sale, Donald, Maddingley and Yarraville.
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As stated by Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Lizzie Blandthorn
“Accessible facilities throughout our community are essential to creating an inclusive and comfortable environment for all Victorians and visitors.”
“Changing Places removes barriers for thousands of community members, and we’re proud to support several new metropolitan areas through this program for the first time.”
As stated by Federal Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth
“We want everyone in our community, regardless of where they live, to be able to fully participate in community life. Funding more accessible Changing Places is one way we are helping to create a more inclusive Australia for the one in six Australians living with disability.”
