Portarlington welcomes new accessible facilities

PORTARLINTON is now home to the Bellarine Peninsula’s first Changing Places facility, with construction on the new public toilet block wrapping up in the days leading up to Christmas.

The building has been designed to cater to those with high support needs who are unable to use standard accessible toilet and support their participation in day-to-day activities.

The facilities are larger than standard accessible toilets and include extra features – such as a hoist, adult change table and shower – as well as enough space for two people to provide assistance.

Complementing the facility at Henderson Reserve are new external beach showers and accessible, ambulant and standard toilet cubicles, which are deeper than standard cubicles and feature benches and hooks.

The $650,000 upgrade was delivered by Bellarine Bayside, with the Victorian government contributing $180,000 in funding to the project.

“I am so proud that Bellarine Bayside has been able to deliver the first ever Changing Places facility on the Bellarine Peninsula, providing users and their carers greater freedom to enjoy community life, including the simple joy of a day out at the beach,” Bellarine Bayside chief executive officer Scott Crabtree said.

“We want to make sure everyone can experience what our coast has to offer, and we are striving to make the beautiful Portarlington foreshore a destination known for its accessibility.”

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant congratulated Bellarine Bayside on initiating the project and for completing the upgrades in time for summer.

“The Changing Places facility in Portarlington is an important asset for the Bellarine Peninsula and will support the disability community to experience our coastal region,” she said.

genU chief executive officer Clare Amies thanked Bellarine Bayside for identifying the need for the upgraded facilities, labelling it an “important community project”.

“Accessible facilities allow everyone to feel welcome and demonstrates a commitment to building a genuinely inclusive community,” she said.

“At genU we provide a range of high-quality disability support services for participants, including activities and experiences on the Bellarine Peninsula.

“Thanks to this upgrade, we will be able to help our clients onsite at Portarlington and this will help improve their experience when visiting this amazing part of our region.”

Further upgrades to enhance the accessibility of the reserve are also set to begin this year, as Bellarine Bayside seeks to link the new Changing Places facility to the adjacent beach.

The $157,000 project will be partially funded by the Victorian government and will include the installation of accessible paths, a wombat crossing, disabled parking, all abilities beach matting and accessible furniture.

A Master Locksmith Access Key (MLAK) is required to access the Changing Places facility. People with disabilities and their carers or support workers can purchase a MLAK key system via changingplaces.org.au/MLAK