Changing Places are public amenities in Australia set up for those with disabilities that can’t access conventional disabled toilets. The facilities have hoists to hoist people out of their wheelchairs and a change table suitable for people of all ages. 

Oh Dezzie are you banging on about toilets again?! Yes I find it tough enough accessing loos but I imagine how ‘pissed’ I’d be if I couldn’t find a place I could even go.

Burleigh Heads is the first one I have ever come across in Australia. A perfect position too!

Hats off to Gold Coast Council for rolling these out across their tourist hot spots! Check out where it is. Perfect! This photo is looking north with Surfers Paradise in the distance.

I’m just checking out their website regarding these. There are 9 set up in the Gold Coast area. I’m impressed. https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Services/Supporting-our-community/People-with-disability/Changing-Places-toilets

In the back of my mind I wondered how people with disabilities go on holidays that can’t use the disabled toilets currently available. I know of someone that gets so frustrated cause they can’t find a place suitable. They need that hoist. 

The rollout of Changing Places

The rollout started in 2022. “The Commonwealth (of Australia) has committed to contribute up to half of the total build cost for any fixed place or portable Changing Places facility agreed to under this funding offer”. 
https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers-programs-services/changing-places

There is still a small window of opportunity for more of these to pop up in tourist areas. I think they are consulting with state governments one more time by the looks of it. Even if they are built in your tourist area we still need to get word out to people who would find joy in their availability. I’ll be knocking on a few doors when I get back. 

Here is the Changing Places website where you can find out further information. https://changingplaces.org.au

For adults with high support needs, Changing Places toilets can be the difference between a day out or exclusion https://amp.abc.net.au/article/102833852

Changing Places Assessor requirements for new buildings https://www.changingplacesassessor.com.au

Dezzie 2024