Representatives from Whyalla City Council, SATC, State Government, Whyalla Tourism Focus Group and Whyalla Access Group mark the opening of the Changing Places facility.
A new structure aimed at increasing access for people living with severe and profound disability was unveiled this week in a low key ceremony designed to comply with current covid-restrictions.
Mayor Clare McLaughlin and Rodney Harrex, CEO of the South Australian Tourism Commission, jointly cut a ribbon to officially open the Changing Places facility.
Mr Harrex said the new facility would further support regional tourism and encourage more visitors to the region.
“Today is a welcome bit of good news, and something positive to finish off the year,” he said.
“We know tourism is important for this region – employing around 2100 people and contributing around $400 million to the state’s visitor economy. Whyalla continues to create new tourism opportunities and facilities – the new jetty for example, has really captured attention world-wide.
“The new Changing Places facility is going to help make Whyalla a more inclusive and accessible place for everyone, helping to attract more tourists and encourage more locals to travel throughout the regions.”
Mayor Clare McLaughlin was pleased that the facility was now available and said that social inclusion is fundamental to a person’s quality of life.
“Whyalla City Council is committed to ensuring that all residents are included in mainstream services, especially those with a disability, and that they feel respected as valued members of our community.”
“With statistics indicating that 1 in 5 people live with a disability it is important that Whyalla Council is providing facilities and services, like this Changing Places facility, that are accessible and inclusive” Mayor McLaughlin said.
The construction of the new facility has been made available through grant funding from the $1.7 million State Government program aimed at increasing access for people living with disability.
Changing Places are best-practice toilets that include customized features that give people with disabilities a dignified and purpose-built facility to use when they are out and about, thereby increasing their independence.
The site for the new facility was chosen after an extensive public consultation process and is conveniently located centrally to the existing Foreshore toilets and the disabled beach access ramp at the Whyalla Foreshore.
The new Changing Places facility includes a range of features not available in standard accessible toilets such as:
- a height-adjustable adult-sized change table
- a constant-charging ceiling track hoist system
- a centrally located peninsula toilet
- shower
- circulation spaces
- an automatic door with clear opening
- a privacy screen
- space to accommodate a person using a wheelchair and up to two carers
- air-conditioning
Users must provide their own sling to use with the hoist, this is to minimise the risk of accident or contamination.
Accessing the facility
The facility is secured by a universal key system and members of the community who meet the criteria for access to the facility are urged to order a Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK).
An MLAK enables 24/7 universal access to many of the Changing Places amenities across Australia and ensures people with the appropriate eligibility are able to obtain access to facilities without delay.
The MLAK key system will ensure the facility is only accessible to those that meet the eligibility criteria.
Who is eligible
Eligibility is restricted to people who have a disability or have written authority from one of the following:
- a doctor
- a disability organisation
- community health centre
- the owner or management of a building with an accessible toilet on site
If you meet these criteria, please download the order form: MLAK Order Form PDF
The integration of the MLAK key system will ensure that the integrity and cleanliness of the space is maintained and vandalism is avoided.
For further information about Changing Places you can visit their website www.changingplaces.org.au
Mayor Clare McLaughlin and Rodney Harrex, CEO of the South Australian Tourism Commission, are pictured jointly cutting the ribbon to officially open Whyalla’s Changing Places facility.