Everyone can now enjoy a day out in Winchelsea thanks to a new Changing Places facility.
Surf Coast Shire Mayor Cr Rose Hodge joined Eliza Charters, who is one of the original ambassadors for the Changing Places project, to open the facility located at the former Winchelsea Shire Hall on Hesse Street.
Changing Places facilities are large toilet and change facilities that have extra features and more space to meet the needs of people with high support needs and their carers. Each facility has a height adjustable adult-sized change table and a ceiling hoist.
“This will make a big difference for so many people in our community,” Cr Hodge said, “It will ensure their privacy, safety and dignity, and allow those with high support needs to have everyday experiences that so many of us take for granted.”
“We know that one in five Victorians has a disability, and that they are more likely to visit or stay in destinations that are known to have accessible facilities.”
“This will not only benefit visitors to Surf Coast’s hinterland region and those travelling through to the Great Ocean Road, but also the growing local community, who want to enjoy a day out.”
“We’re currently seeking expressions of interest to lease the former Winchelsea Shire Hall to a tenant that will meet the community’s vision for it to be the ‘heart of the town’. So it is essential that it is accessible for all.”
The Winchelsea Changing Place is one of two new facilities completed in the Surf Coast Shire, with the other one located in Anglesea. The Victorian Government provided $200,000 for both facilities, with the Surf Coast Shire providing $118,000 for the Winchelsea facility which included renewing the existing disabled toilet.
The Mayor thanked all of the funding partners as well as the Surf Coast Shire’s All Abilities Advisory Committee and the community members and disability support services who wrote letters of support for the funding application.
