Great Ocean Road’s first Changing Places opens
Surf Coast Shire mayor Rose Hodge, minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan, advocate for people with physical disabilities Jack Tori and Great Ocean Road Coast Committee chair Ken Northwood at the Changing Places facility. Photo: KLAUS NANNESTAD
THE first Changing Places facility on the Great Ocean Road is now officially open in Four Kings Car Park, Anglesea.
State Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan joined Surf Coast Shire mayor Rose Hodge, Great Ocean Road Coast Committee chair Ken Northwood and advocate for people with physical disabilities Jack Tori to open the facility.
The facilities, which were built onto the existing public toilets, include a range of features to make them accessible for people with disabilities.
Not only is it a larger building, but it also includes a height adjustable adult-sized change table and a ceiling hoist.
Cr Hodge said the facilities would be hugely beneficial to their users.
“This is truly life-changing for many people in our community, because everyone should be able to enjoy a day at the beach.
“Now people with additional support needs can have everyday experiences that so many of us take for granted. This Changing Place will ensure their privacy, safety and dignity.”
Another Changing Places will soon be officially opened in Winchelsea, just east of the former shire hall.
The state government provided $200,000 for both facilities, with the Surf Coast Shire providing $177,000 and the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee contributing $30,000 towards the Anglesea project.
Cr Hodge said voiced her appreciation for the different parties’ contributions.
“This was absolutely a team effort and my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved.”
The City of Greater Geelong council also recently opened a Changing Places public toilet as part of the Rosewall Community Centre, which was opened in October 2019.
There are also Changing Places at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus, Leopold Library and Community Centre and the National Disability Insurance Agency national office in Malop Street.
Posted 16 Jan 2020
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