Bellarine Peninsula’s first Changing Places opens

The first Changing Places facility on the Bellarine Peninsula has opened in Portarlington, making a day at the beach possible for everyone this summer!

The specialist toilet and changing facilities cater for people who cannot use standard accessible facilities. Changing Places toilets are larger and equipped with a ceiling track hoist, an adult change table, and a toilet and shower that have enough room for two people to assist. Changing Places are locked using the Master Locksmith Access Key (MLAK) key system which are available for purchase by people with disabilities and their carers or support workers – https://changingplaces.org.au/mlak.

Alongside the Changing Places, the public amenities have been upgraded to include new accessible, ambulant and standard cubicles. The cubicles have been designed to be deeper than standard cubicles and provide benches and hooks to allow for a quick change of clothes, complemented by new outdoor showers to rinse sand and salt off.

The $650,000 upgrade has been supported by the Victorian Government with $180,000 through its Changing Places Funding Grant.

Bellarine Bayside will also deliver a $157,000 project, partially funded through the Victorian Government Coastal Public Access and Risk (CPAR) Grant 2023–24, to undertake complementary works to safely link the new Changing Places to the beach across the foreshore road. This initiative will include installation of accessible paths, a wombat crossing, disabled parking, all abilities beach matting and associated accessible furniture. Works will commence on these upgrades in 2025.

Quotes attributable to Alison Marchant, Member for Bellarine

“The Changing Places facility in Portarlington is an important asset for the Bellarine Peninsula and will support the disability community to experience our coastal region.”

“I am thrilled that the Victorian Labour Government could support the first Changing Places located near the beach on the Bellarine Peninsula, and I congratulate Bellarine Bayside on initiating the project and completing the facility in time for summer.”

Quotes attributable to Scott Crabtree, Bellarine Bayside CEO

“I am so proud that Bellarine Bayside has been able to deliver the first ever Changing Places facility on the Bellarine Peninsula, providing users and their carers greater freedom to enjoy community life, including the simple joy of a day out at the beach.”

“We want to make sure everyone can experience what our coast has to offer, and we are striving to make the beautiful Portarlington foreshore a destination known for its accessibility.”

Quotes attributable to Clare Amies, genU CEO

“Congratulations to Bellarine Bayside on the completion of this important community project at Portarlington. Accessible facilities allow everyone to feel welcome and demonstrates a commitment to building a genuinely inclusive community.”

“On behalf of genU and the disability community who will use this facility, I want to thank Bellarine Bayside for identifying the need for this upgrade and taking the initiative to facilitate the Changing Places project.”

“At genU we provide a range of high-quality disability support services for participants, including activities and experiences on the Bellarine Peninsula. Thanks to this upgrade, we will be able to help our clients onsite at Portarlington and this will help improve their experience when visiting this amazing part of our region.”