Gingin among towns to receive new Changing Places facilities

TRAVEL across WA is set to become easier for people with specialised bathroom needs, with 11 new Changing Places locations announced last month.

Disability Services Minister Donna Faragher said State Government funding would support the development of sites in several local government areas, including the Shire of Gingin and City of Joondalup.

“WA’s Changing Places network will mean people with disability will have the same freedom as others to travel around their communities and beyond,” she said.

Changing Places are clean and private facilities that are different to standard accessible toilets.

They have an adult-sized change table, hoist and enough space for two people to help.

The City of Joondalup will use the $110,000 grant to retrofit its bathroom facilities at Sorrento Beach (north) to better cater for users with a disability, as well as their families and carers.

Mayor Troy Pickard welcomed the funding and said it was important that wherever possible, the specific bathroom needs for people with a disability were met.

“Planning for better access for people with a disability has become an increasingly important area of focus for decision-making authorities in all spheres of government,” he said.

“Our City is committed to including people with disability through the continuous improvement of access to information, facilities and services.

“The State Government is to be commended for choosing to house this facility at this iconic coastal destination.”

Locations announced in December included the Shire of Toodyay.

The Disability Services Commission (DSC) is delivering the project in partnership with the WA Local Government Association and National Disability Services WA.

DSC’s success in working with partners to develop the network was recognised at the Institute of Public Administration Australia WA’s annual achievement awards, jointly winning the best practice in collaboration between government and non-government organisations award.