Travelling to places such as the iconic Great Ocean Road will become easier for people with disability, with Victoria's network of accessible restrooms set to grow.
Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines today announced grants to build 18 new, fully accessible public restrooms through the Andrews Labor Government's Changing Places program.
Grants valued at up to $110,000 each have been provided to local councils and not-for-profit community organisations to build accessible restrooms with adult change tables and hoists.
There are now 90 Changing Places in Victoria out of 193 nationally. They are relied on by 326,000 Victorians to access popular tourist locations, parks and events - cementing Victoria's reputation as the nation's most accessible state for people with disability.
The grants are funded through a $2.5 million investment to expand the Changing Places network, building on $3.5 million previously invested to build 33 facilities at locations including the MCG, Melbourne Zoo and Hamer Hall.
Grant recipients and new locations can be viewed at providers.dffh.vic.gov.au/changing-places.
To see existing Changing Places locations, visit changingplaces.org.au/find-a-toilet.
Victorian Companion Card holders are now eligible for a free Master Locksmiths Access Key - a universal access key used to open Changing Places facilities. Apply online at masterlocksmiths.com.au/mlak.
As stated by Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines
"These new Changing Places will open up even more of Victoria, allowing people with disability to enjoy the best our state has to offer."
"Changing Places make a real difference in people's lives by removing barriers to getting out and about - whether close to home or at major tourist sites."
