Nillumbik's first Changing Places facility has been officially opened, after a visit from Disability Minister Lizzie Blandthorn and Eltham MP Vicki Ward.
Located in Alistair Knox Park in Eltham, near the Eltham Library and local cafés, the Changing Places facility provides essential amenities for people with high support needs and their carers.
Larger than standard accessible toilets, Changing Places facilities include a height-adjustable, adult-sized change table; an electronic hoist, and an accessible shower and toilet.
The old, inaccessible toilet block at the park was demolished, with four standard cubicle toilets and two accessible toilets built in its place.
The Changing Places facility features artwork by artists Matt Ling and David Hooke (MEGGS), in collaboration with artists from disability service Araluen.
Mayor and Wingrove Ward Councillor John Dumaresq said the project enables people with disability to engage with the community without worrying whether they'll be able to use a toilet.
"It might seem like a small thing, but having accessible facilities means more people can participate in community life without concern about toileting – something most of us take for granted," Cr Dumaresq said.
"Projects like this make our Shire more accessible and inclusive to all, and bolster independence for people with disability and their carers."
The artwork featured on the building is a first for a Changing Places facility in Australia and the collaborative artwork process provides a blueprint for future projects.
The $915,000 project was funded by the Victorian Government's Changing Places and Universal Design grants program ($413,000) and Council ($502,000).
