The Victorian Government has announced that applications are now open for the latest round of grants for fully accessible public restrooms.
Grants of up to $110,000 will build an extra 18 Changing Places facilities, which are larger than standard accessible toilets, providing accessible public restrooms that include adult change tables and hoists – enabling Victorians with disability to access more of the state’s most popular recreation spots.
Local councils and not-for-profit community organisations across the state are encouraged to apply.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, the Hon. Luke Donnellan MP, said Changing Places make a very real difference to people’s lives, enabling them to actively participate in all that Victoria has to offer.
“These $110,000 grants will help us expand Victoria’s network of Changing Places so that people can not only enjoy their local community but will be able to visit all parts of our great state,” Minister Donnellan said.
“People without disabilities take the fact that they can access bathrooms for granted, but for people with disabilities and those who care for them, access to a Changing Places defines our lives, independence and access to community,” said Peta Hooke, Changing Places user, disability advocate and presenter of the ‘I can’t stand podcast’.
The latest grants round builds on $3.46 million already invested by the State Government to build 33 facilities, including at the MCG, Melbourne Zoo and Hamer Hall. Victoria leads the way nationally, hosting 87 of Australia’s 178 Changing Places facilities.
Building more facilities is one of the goals of Victoria’s Absolutely everyone: State Disability Plan 2017–2020. The next state disability plan to build a fairer and more inclusive community is due to be released at the end of the year.
Grant applications close 5 November 2021. Find out more about the grants and how to apply on the Changing places page of the Providers website.
