Changing Places Awareness Day takes place on 19 July each year. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the Victorians who advocate for, build, promote and use Changing Places. It’s also a chance to recognise all those who work towards making our state accessible for everyone.
This month Australia has hit a new milestone with 300 Changing Places nationally. A new Changing Places toilet, soon to be officially opened at Jubilee Park in Ringwood, marks Australia's 300th Changing Places location.
The first Changing Places in Australia opened in the same area at Ringwood Lake 10 years ago.
Victoria is a proud supporter of Changing Places. There are currently 135 Changing Places in Victoria, out of 300 nationally.
Features of Changing Places
Changing Places are public toilets for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets. They include extra features to meet the needs of people with disability and their carers. The extra features include:
- an automated door
- ceiling hoist
- an adjustable adult-sized change table
- more space.
More than 382,000 Victorians rely on Changing Places toilets to support them in accessing community events and locations.
It’s a basic human right to be able to access a suitable, safe and private toilet. Changing Places makes a big difference in people’s experiences. They make it easier for everyone to enjoy community, tourist and recreational spaces and venues.
Finding Changing Places
To find your nearest facility, visit the following websites:
- Changing Places
- National Public Toilet Map. You can download their app through your usual app store.
There are many iconic locations around the state with Changing Places toilets – from the MCG to Melbourne Zoo to Mildura’s riverfront. You can also find Changing Places in various local parks and recreation centres.
Victoria was the first state to fund the construction of Changing Places in 2015. Since then, the Victorian Government has funded more than 83 facilities across the state.
Changing Places are now required as part of specified public buildings thanks to changes to the National Construction Code. Specified buildings include major shopping centres, sports venues, art galleries and airport terminals.
Find out more about Changing Places at providers.dffh.vic.gov.au.
Creating inclusive communities is an important part of Inclusive Victoria: state disability plan 2022-2026.