New Anglesea Changing Places facility a first for Great Ocean Road

Changing Places Anglesea

Everyone in our community can now enjoy a day at the beach thanks to a new Changing Places facility, which was opened in Anglesea today.

Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, the Honourable Luke Donnellan joined Surf Coast Shire Mayor Cr Rose Hodge, Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Chair Ken Northwood and advocate for people with physical disabilities Jack Tori to open the facility located at the Four Kings carpark on the Great Ocean Road.

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 is truly life-changing for many people in our community, because everyone should be able to enjoy a day at the beach,” Surf Coast Shire Mayor Cr Rose Hodge said

“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.”

The Mayor said the Anglesea Changing Place, located at the Four Kings car park, was the first Changing Places facility on the Great Ocean Road.

“This will complement Anglesea’s many accessible features, including beach wheelchair access, all-terrain wheelchair availability, accessible pathways, walking trails and playgrounds.”

“It’s part of Council’s vision to make our community inclusive and accessible for all.”

The Anglesea Changing Place is one of two new facilities completed in the Surf Coast Shire, with the other one located in Winchelsea. The Victorian 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.

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.

“This was absolutely a team effort and my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved.”

The Winchelsea Changing Places facility will be officially opened in the weeks ahead.

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