Victorians with disability and their carers will soon benefit from a new Changing Places facility in the Barwon Coast area.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant today announced the tender for a new Changing Places facility at Ocean Grove Main Beach has been awarded to Three T Constructions.

Changing Places are larger than standard accessible toilets with extra features, such as a tracking hoist and additional space for two or more carers to support a person with high support needs to use a bathroom safely and with dignity.

The Victorian Budget 2022-23 allocated $2.5 million to provide grants for local councils and not-for-profit organisations to build Changing Places across the state.

This is on top of the $11.4 million that the Labor Government has invested in Changing Places initiatives since 2015, building facilities across metropolitan, rural and regional Victoria.

In 2022, Barwon Coast Committee of Management received a Changing Places funding grant of $180,000 from the Labor Government to build the Changing Places facility at Ocean Grove Main Beach. This was in addition to Barwon Coast’s $220,000 contribution towards the project.

Learn more about Changing Places and find facilities located across Victoria at changingplaces.org.au.

Quote attributable to Minister for Disability, Lizzie Blandthorn

“Accessible facilities are essential to creating an inclusive community for all Victorians and visitors, and we’re proud to support the establishment of another Changing Places site.”

Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine, Alison Marchant

“Changing Places enables the local community to access our parks and outdoor areas in a safe and comfortable way, and I’m glad to see one coming to Ocean Grove.”

Quote attributable to Chair, Barwon Coast Committee of Management, Sandy Gatehouse

"This new facility will make a real difference to the 326,400 Victorians with high support needs, enabling them to participate more fully in beach activities and community life."