A $320,000 major project to upgrade the existing public toilet facilities and provide a new Changing Place in the Hargreaves Street Multi Storey Car Park will be officially opened on Thursday October 24 by Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Margaret O’Rourke and Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards.
Mayor Cr Margaret O’Rourke said the new Changing Place facility provides a secure public toilet featuring a fully accessible toilet with space on either side for carers, moveable ceiling hoist, height adjustable adult size change table, privacy curtain, additional seating and a safe and clean environment for people with severe and profound disabilities.
“This is the first Changing Place facility in the Bendigo city centre and it allows people with disabilities to participate more fully in activities and events, access shops, services and education facilities without having to worry if there are suitable toilet facilities available,” Cr O’Rourke said.
“New signage has been put in place and the foyer of the Hargreaves Street Multi Storey Car Park has been freshened up as part of the project.”
“Both the new facility and the upgrade of the existing male and female public toilets were recommendations of the Greater Bendigo Public Toilet Strategy.
“This has been an important project to improve some of Bendigo’s most utilised toilet facilities to make them safer and more inclusive and accessible for everyone.”
The new Changing Place facility is available 24 hours, seven days a week to holders of a Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK). The MLAK system is fitted to elevators at railway stations, accessible public toilets in Council areas and National Parks across Australia and on items of play equipment like the Liberty Swing at Strathdale Park. People with disability can purchase a MLAK master key which will open all public facilities fitted with this specially designed lock.
Information on how to obtain an MLAK key is available at www.masterlocksmiths.com.au/mlak/
The $320,000 project was funded by the City of Greater Bendigo and the Victorian Government.
