Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant today joined Minister for Disability Lizzie Blandthorn and Barwon Coast Committee of Management CEO Gareth Smith and Chair Sandy Gatehouse, along with representatives from the Accessibility and Inclusion Stakeholder Group, to celebrate the completion of the Changing Places facility at Ocean Grove Main Beach, providing essential infrastructure to support people with high support needs and their carers.
Victoria leads the charge in making Australia a more accessible place, with 170 Changing Places facilities operating across Victoria.
Changing Places are larger than standard accessible toilets with extra features such as a tracking hoist, adult sized change table, accessible shower 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 2021/22 allocated almost $2 million to provide grants for local councils and not-for-profit organisations to build Changing Places across the state, providing for 18 Changing Places facilities including this project.
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.
The Ocean Grove Changing Places facility received funding from the State Government, with Barwon Coast contributing an additional $86,000.
For more information and to find a Changing Places facility near you visit changingplaces.org.au.
Quotes 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
"The Changing Places facility at Ocean Grove Main Beach is a valuable addition to the Bellarine Peninsula, enabling more locals and visitors to enjoy our beautiful coastal region with greater accessibility.”
"I'm delighted the Victorian Labor Government were able to support a second Changing Places facility on the Bellarine. Congratulations to Barwon Coast for leading this important project and completing it in time for the busy summer season."
Quote attributable to Barwon Coast Committee of Management Chair Sandy Gatehouse
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to access and enjoy our beautiful coastline.”
“This facility is an important investment in inclusion, enabling more people to participate fully in public life and coastal recreation.”
“We acknowledge and thank the Victorian Government for its support in funding this project.”
