Ocean Grove has become a more accessible area with a new Changing Places facility now open to support people and carers.
The facility opened at Ocean Grove Main Beach on August 7 to provide essential infrastructure for community members with high support needs and their carers.
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said she was delighted that the state government could support a second Changing Places facility on the Bellarine.
“The Changing Places facility at Ocean Grove Main Beach is a valuable addition to the Bellarine Peninsula,” she said
“(It will) enable more locals and visitors to enjoy our beautiful coastal region with greater accessibility.
“Congratulations to Barwon Coast for leading this important project and completing it in time for the busy summer season.”
The new Ocean Grove facility received funding from the state government, with Barwon Coast contributing an additional $86,000 to the project.
Barwon Coast Committee of Management chair Sandy Gatehouse said everyone deserved the opportunity to access and enjoy the Bellarine’s coastline.
“This facility is an important investment in inclusion, enabling more people to participate fully in public life and coastal recreation,” she said.
Changing Places facilities are larger than standard accessible toilets and have extra features like a tracking hoist, adult-sized change table, accessible shower and additional space for two or more carers.
Minister for Disability Lizzie Blandthorn said Victoria was leading hr charge in making Australia a more accessible place with 170 Changing Places facilities available across the state.
“Accessible facilities are essential to creating an inclusive community for all Victorians and visitors, and we’re proud to support the establishment of another Changing Places site,” she said.
The state government’s 2021/22 budget allocated close to $2 million to provide grants for councils and not-for-profit groups to build Changing Places across the state.
The budget funding added to $11.4 million that the state government had invested in Changing Places initiatives since 2015.
Visit changingplaces.org.au for more information or to find a Changing Places facility.
