Changing Places are larger than standard accessible toilets, and have extra features such as a tracking hoist and more space to meet the needs of all people with disability.
Victorian Disability Advisory Council Chair, Colleen Furlanetto, said “One toilet at a time, Changing Places reduces barriers for people with disability. I’m delighted this project creates more opportunities for all people to enjoy the cultural wonders that Melbourne has to offer.”
Victoria was the first Australian state to launch Changing Places and continues to lead the way nationally in making public spaces more accessible.
From 1 May 2019, the National Construction Code is being updated to include new ‘accessible adult change facilities’ based on the Changing Places design. These facilities will be required in specified public buildings such as large shopping centres, sports stadiums, theatres, aquatic centres, museums, art galleries and airports.
The Victorian Government is providing $2.6 million to fund a network of 26 Changing Places across the state. Arts Centre Melbourne is receiving $100,000 for the Hamer Hall facility.
Arts Centre Melbourne CEO Claire Spencer, said: “Changing Places plays an essential role in positive, social inclusion and encouraging the participation of people with a disability, their families and carers in our city’s cultural life and in particular the Melbourne Arts Precinct.”
Changing Places is a key priority of the Absolutely everyone state disability plan for 2017–2020, which commits the Victorian Government to a range of actions in partnership with the community to achieve greater inclusion.
