Changing Places

Changing Places facilities are larger than standard accessible toilets, with extra features and more space to meet the needs of people with a disability and their carers. Each facility has a height adjustable, adult-sized changing bench, a tracking hoist system, and space for two people either side of a peninsula toilet.

To be called a Changing Places toilet, the facility must meet the design specifications as outlined in the Changing Places Design Specification 2020.

Creating communities that are welcoming and inclusive underpins the Victorian Government’s State Disability Plan. Changing Places are a key component of Victoria’s Universal Design approach to ensure the built environment is accessible for all Victorians and so far, 33 Changing Places have been funded across Victoria.   

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History of Changing Places

Originating in the United Kingdom in 2006, the Changing Places concept has now spread internationally, with Changing Places opening in a number of countries including Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, USA and Germany.

The first Australian Changing Place opened at Ringwood Lake in Victoria in 2014. For a current list of locations across Australia see the Changing Places website.

Changing Places Design Specifications

The Changing Places design specifications 2020 provide all the information needed to build a Changing Places facility including a choice of four design options and estimated costs.

National Construction Code and Changing Places

Australia is the first country in the world to regulate for public toilets based on the Changing Places design. The National Construction Code 2019 released by the Australian Building Code Board requires a new class of toilet called Accessible Adult Change Facilities, based on the Changing Places design, to be included in certain classes of public buildings. 

From 1 May 2019, one unisex Accessible Adult Change Facility must be provided in: 

• Class 6 buildings: shopping centres with a design occupancy of not less than 3,500;
• Museum or art gallery (or similar buildings with a design occupancy of not less than 1,500;
• Class 9b sports venues – with a design occupancy of not less than 35,000 or which contain a swimming pool that has a perimeter of not less than 70m.
• Theatre and entertainment venues having a design occupancy of not less than 1,500 patrons.
• Domestic and international passenger airports.

Toilets built according to the Changing Places design standards will generally meet the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions of the National Construction Code.

Latest news

2021 Funding Round now open

The Victorian Government is providing $2.5 million to expand the Changing Places initiative including funding an additional 18 Changing Places across Victoria.

Local Government Authorities (Victorian) and community not-for-profit organisations are eligible to apply.

The funding round provides funding of up to $110,000 to construct a Changing Places facility in their local community. 

Changing Places must be built in accordance with the Changing Places Design Specifications 2020 and must be accredited as a Changing Places facility and listed on the Changing Places website and the National Public Toilet Map.

The funding round opens on 2 August 2021 and closes 5 November 2021.

Applications must be submitted through smarty grants.

Further Information

Funding Round information Session

An on-line information session will be held 

Time: 10.00am to 12.00pm

Date: 25 August 2021

Register via Eventbrite for the 2021 Victorian Changing Places Funding Round Information Session or to find out more about the 2021 Changing Places funding round email: changingplaces@dffh.vic.gov.au.

Key documents available for download.

• Changing Places 2021 Funding Round Guidelines - accessible (Word)
• Changing Places 2021 Funding Round Guidelines (pdf)
• Changing Places design specifications 2020
• Changing Places Survey 2016
• Changing Places Survey 2019