Collie’s Changing Place facility was officially opened during a ceremony on Tuesday afternoon.
A Changing Place provides a secure, clean environment for people with disability who need space and specialised equipment to use the bathroom when out and about in the community.
Changing Places are not standard accessible toilets, they include a hoist, adult changing table, space for two people to assist the user with their needs and an automatic door. In August 2016, the Shire of Collie was one of 11 Local Government Areas to receive Changing Places funding to build a Changing Place in the town.
The location of the Changing Place, in the Collie Mineworkers Memorial Swimming Pool, had been discussed in the Disability Access and Inclusion Committee and was considered the ideal location allowing access to the swimming pool, whilst still within close proximity to the CBD.
The Changing Place will have dual access and utilise a keyed access system so that it is available 24 hours a day to people who hold the universal Changing Places key.
Shire President Wayne Sanford acknowledged the hard work that had gone into securing the Changing Places facility for Collie. “We are fortunate to have members of our community who continue to aspire to make Collie the most inclusive community to live in,” he said.
Minister for Environment and Disability Services Stephen Dawson said he was pleased to see the Changing Places facilities being rolled out across the state.
“Over the past four years I was the shadow minister for disabilities for Labor and I have got to participate in many conversations about Changing Places,” he said.
“It’s great to see these facilities in the South West, given the benefit with the amount of tourism we see in the South West. “I know of families around the state at the moment who don’t venture past their neighbourhoods, partly because there is nowhere for their loved one to toilet themselves.”
Minister Dawson said these Changing Places facilities mean people living with disabilities can venture out more.
“These facilities are great, because what they mean for people with disabilities who can’t go far from their houses, they can actually be out in the community, participate and enjoy our community services,” he said.
“It’s really great that Collie has shown leadership to make sure you have a Changing Places facility here.”
