Busselton offers more comfort on the coast

A new facility opened by the City of Busselton last week will provide opportunities for people with disability to enjoy the foreshore area in comfort and with confidence.

The Changing Places facility offers dignified and accessible bathroom amenities for individuals with complex needs and who cannot use standard accessible toilets.

It is equipped with a ceiling hoist, combined accessible shower facility and privacy screen, height-adjustable adult-sized change table with ample space for two carers to assist and a separate wheelchair storage room.

The facility was designed and constructed with $184,000 in grant funding, which the City received from the State Government Department of Communities and the Federal Government Department of Social Services.

It is part of a commitment to increasing the number of Changing Places across Western Australia, with the global movement starting in 2006 and programs launched in the UK, New Zealand, Australia and Canada.

There are now more than 250 Changing Places facilities across the country.

“Changing Places will give people with disability the confidence to enjoy our iconic foreshore with significantly improved and appropriate amenities,” Mayor Phill Cronin said.

“The opening marks our first milestone since the adoption of the City’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to fostering a connected, inclusive and accessible place for everyone.”

The facility can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with a Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) system.

People with a disability can apply and purchase a MLAK key through the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia.

For more information and to apply, visit masterlocksmiths.com.au