May Park Changing Places facilities launched

Published on 02 August 2018

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May Park’s Revitalisation project including a new state-of-the-art accessible toilet facility was officially opened by Horsham Rural City Council Mayor Pam Clarke in Horsham on Thursday.  

The Changing Places facility is a larger-than-standard accessible toilet and has extra features such as a height adjustable adult-sized changing bench and a tracking hoist system.

The May Park Revitalisation was funded by the Victorian Government’s Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Funds and Horsham Rural City Council. 

Other improvements include accessible parking bay works, new rubber soft fall paths and the playground has been significantly upgraded so that it caters for all abilities.

Horsham Rural City Council Director Community Wellbeing Kevin O’Brien said the Changing Places facilities enabled people with severe and profound disabilities, their families and carers to actively participate in all aspects of life.

“For people with profound and severe disabilities, structural barriers, such as a lack of accessible public infrastructure, prevent them from being able to participate in community life,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Many people with high support needs find it difficult to leave the house for more than a few hours so they avoid accessing the community for a range of everyday situations that we all take for granted.

“May Park is a popular rest stop on the Western Highway, between Melbourne and Adelaide and now more people can go out for longer and do the things they enjoy,” Mr O’Brien said.

Mr O’Brien said people could apply for a Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) that would open all Changing Places in Australia.

“The MLAK is a master key that fits into specially designed locks allowing 24-hour access to any registered Changing Places facility across the country,” he said.  

Information on applying for a MLAK this can be obtained by contacting Horsham Rural City Council Customer service team on 53829 777, emailing council@hrcc.vic.gov.au, TTY: 133677 ask for 03 5382 9777 or download from Council website. 

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