People with special needs will now have access to more of Victoria’s popular attractions, parks and community venues thanks to the roll out of more world-class Changing Places toilets.

Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region, Shaun Leane today announced Wally Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully would be one of 26 new locations to build a Changing Places toilet – giving 326,400 Victorians with disabilities the freedom to visit more of Victoria’s most popular destinations.

Changing Places are an example of best practice design, ensuring Victorians with a disability have access to bathrooms that are bigger, safer and more accessible.

The toilets have extra features and more space to meet the needs of people with a disability and their carers, who would otherwise not be able to use standard or even ambulant toilets.

Each facility has adjustable height, an adult-sized changing bench, a tracking hoist system, enough space for two people and provides a safer, cleaner environment.

The Government invested $2.6 million to build a network of Changing Places facilities across Victoria as part of the Absolutely Everyone: State Disability Plan 2017-2020.

Changing Places toilets are already available at the MCG, Hisense Arena, Melbourne Zoo, Victoria Park in Ballarat, Fraser St in Shepparton and St Kilda Life Saving Club.

There are also two portable Marveloos for hire at events at Maroondah Council and Bendigo Council.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region, Shaun Leane

“Changing Places are really changing lives. This is about providing bigger, safer and more accessible bathrooms for people with a disability, so they can enjoy the very best of our state.”

“I am thrilled to see a Changing Places toilet has come to Wally Tew Reserve, to give people with disabilities and their carers the opportunity to do things we often take for granted.”