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This article was published on Wednesday, 8 July, 2015. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Shepparton funded for Changing Places toilet

Minister for Housing, Disability & Ageing Martin Foley was in Ballarat today to announce the location of three new Changing Places facilities.

Changing Places facilities are larger-than-standard accessible toilets and have extra features and more space to meet the needs of people with a disability and their carers.

Each facility has a height-adjustable, adult-sized changing bench, a tracking hoist system, and space for two people in a safe and clean environment.

The three new facilities, involving a total cost of $330,000, will be built at Victoria Park in Ballarat, the central business district in Shepparton and at the St Kilda Lifesaving Club.

The locations were chosen after a web poll of people with a disability, organised through the Association for Children with a Disability.

The three new locations follow previous announcements of two Changing Places toilets at the MCG and Melbourne Zoo, as well as a facility that will be incorporated into the Rod Laver Arena, as a part of the Victorian Government’s $338 million investment in Stage Two of the Melbourne Park Redevelopment.

Greater Shepparton City Council Manager Neighbourhoods, Amanda Tingay, said the announcement was welcome news after a successful campaign to gain votes for a Shepparton location in an online poll. “There was a concerted effort from the whole community who advocated strongly for a Changing Places facility in our Shepparton CBD,” said Ms Tingay. “There is a need for a facility such as this and we are very pleased with the result.”

Greater Shepparton City Council expects the facility will be built once the most suitable location is determined.