Work has started this week on the new public toilets in Alistair Knox Park in Eltham, which will include Nillumbik’s first registered Changing Places facility, supporting people with high-care needs and their carers.
The toilet block will also include a further two accessible toilets and four cubicle toilets.
The new toilet block will be more visible and accessible to high-use areas of the park including the playground and Diamond Creek Trail as well as the Eltham Library, Eltham Central Oval, cafes and other recreational facilities, providing convenient and safe access.
Changing Places facilities are larger-than-standard accessible toilets with extra features and more space to cater for people with high-care needs and their carers. They include a height-adjustable, adult-sized change table, electronic hoist, accessible toilet and shower.
New accessible car parking will be created in Panther Place, with an accessible path connecting to the facility and other park features.
Wingrove Ward Councillor Geoff Paine said Council was committed to ensuring people with high support needs and their carers could take part in all aspects of community life.
“This will be the first Changing Places facility in Nillumbik and it really makes a huge difference for both residents and visitors with high-care needs,” Cr Paine said.
“The simple things many of us take for granted, like going for a picnic in the park, taking a walk along the Diamond Creek Trail, visiting the library or attending events and festivals will be so much easier.
“Visitors to the Shire can be confident we have the facilities to meet their needs.”
The project will also include a mural within the Changing Places facility to create a welcoming and comfortable space for users and their carers, who often spend extended periods of time attending to their high-care needs.
The Changing Places and public toilet facility is being jointly funded by the Victorian Government through Changing Places and Universal Design grants, and Council.
