Changing Places enable Victorians with high support needs to participate in their local community and access recreational and tourist attractions, parks, community spaces, entertainment and sporting venues.
Changing Places facilities are larger than standard accessible toilets, with extra features and more space to meet the needs of people with 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, 51 Changing Places have been funded across Victoria.
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
2022 Changing Places Funding Round outcome
The 2022 Changing Places Funding Round closed on 2 September 2022. Nineteen more Changing Places will be built across Victoria, in both Metropolitan and Regional areas.
Locations have been selected from Colac to Wodonga, including tourist destinations, play spaces and community hubs.
Successful recipients will receive up to $180,000 to construct a Changing Places facility in their local community within the next 18 months.
New locations include:
| Project name | Grant organisation | Proposed location |
|---|---|---|
| Colac Otway Shire Council | Memorial Square Public Toilets | 127 Murray St Colac VIC 3250 |
| Indigo Shire Council | Martins Park Changing Place Facility Project | 31 Main St Chiltern VIC 3683 |
| Mildura Shire Council | Changing Places Fit Out - Mildura Sporting Precinct | 108-116 Madden Ave Mildura VIC 3500 |
| City of Melbourne | Munro Library and Community Hub | 456 Queen St Melbourne VIC 3000 |
| Hobsons Bay City Council | Bruce Comben Reserve Community Area and All Abilities Play Space | Henry Dr Altona Meadows VIC 3028 |
| Southern Grampians | Changing Places in Hamilton | 19 Thompson St Hamilton VIC 3300 |
| Wodonga City Council | Junction Square Bike Hub & Changing Place | 34 Elgin Blvd Wodonga VIC 3690 |
| Nillumbik Shire Council | Alistair Knox Park | 829 Main Rd Eltham VIC 3095 |
| Bendigo City Council | Heathcote Changing Place | Barrack St Heathcote VIC 3523 |
| East Gippsland Council | Lakes Entrance Changing Places Facility | Myer St Lakes Entrance VIC 3909 |
| Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Com of Management | Portarlington Main Beach Public Amenity | Pier St Portarlington VIC 3223 |
| Barwon Coast | Ocean Grove Main Beach Changing Places Facility | Surf Beach Rd Ocean Grove VIC 3226 |
| Falls Creek Resorts | Falls Creek Foreshore Facilities Upgrade | 28 Lower Lake Road Falls Creek VIC 3699 |
| Murrindindi Shire Council | Absolutely Everyone changes at the Eildon Splash and Play Park | 24 Main St Eildon VIC 3713 |
| Maroondah City Council | Jubilee Park Recreation Precinct Ringwood | 41 Reilly St Ringwood VIC 3134 |
| Bayside City Council | Beaumaris Art Studios Changing Places | 88 Reserve Rd Beaumaris VIC 3193 |
| Rural City of Wangaratta | Apex Park Changing Places | Clements St Wangaratta VIC 3677 |
| Banyule City Council | Changing Places - WaterMarc | 1 Flintoff St Greensborough VIC 3088 |
| Darebin City Council | Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre | 180 Victoria Rd Northcote VIC 3070 |