Leisure centre a better place

(Back) Melton council Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) community representative Hayley Sayers, Cr Lara Carli DAC Service Provider Representative Monica Sidhu and Community Care and Active Living manager Coral Crameri. (Front) DAC community representative Linda Campbell, Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik, Community Wellbeing and Inclusion acting director Nicole Migani-Robert and chief executive Roslyn Wai.

A new Changing Places accessible changing facility has been opened at Caroline Springs Leisure Centre.

Coinciding with International Day of People with Disability, which is observed around the globe on December 3, Melton mayor Cr Kathy Majdlik officially launched the new facility.

The $280,000 upgrade will help people with high support needs by providing a welcoming and inclusive place to change and use the bathroom.

Changing Places facilities are larger than standard toilets and feature a height adjustable, adult-sized changing bench, a tracking hoist system and space for two people either side of the toilet. They meet strict design standards and are a key part of Universal Design Principles.

It is the fourth Changing Place to arrive in Melton, with others at Melton Waves, Cobblebank Stadium and the Melton Library and Learning Hub.

This project was supported by a $110,000 grant from the Victorian government.

Mayor Majdlik said Changing Places helps ensure everyone has facilities that give them dignity and support.

“This wonderful new space is one of many projects Council has delivered in partnership with the Victorian Government. It is designed to provide access to people with a disability, and ensure they can attend, and participate in, community activities,” she said.

“More than 326,000 Victorians rely on Changing Places toilets and Council is proud to have today opened the fourth in our community.

“The City of Melton is a vibrant, safe and liveable community that celebrates diversity and is inclusive for everyone living with a disability.”