Liam McNally
People living with disabilities in the Melton municipality will soon have easier access to events, with state funding granted for a new portable changing place.
Melton is the recipient of one of 13 new changing places delivered through the $2.3 million dollar Changing Places Fund.
The program offers grants of up to $180,000 to councils, not-for-profit community organisations and tourist destinations to construct fully accessible toilet facilities, with each changing place having a height-adjustable adult-sized changing table, a ceiling tracking hoist system, and enough space for two people either side of a peninsular toilet – making community spaces more accessible for people with disability.
In a Victorian first, the Melton lga will benefit from Changing Places funding with the addition of a portable facility for events and festivals.
Disability, Ageing and Carers Minister Lizzie Blandthorn said accessible facilities throughout the community are “essential to creating an inclusive and comfortable environment for all Victorians and visitors”.
“Changing Places removes barriers for thousands of community members, and we’re proud to support several new metropolitan areas through this program for the first time,” she said.
Melton MP Steve McGhie also voiced support for the project.
“These facilities are important to ensure everyone can enjoy everything that Melton has to offer and feel included in community life,” he said.
