Disability Services Minister Don Punch has today joined Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk and City of Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge to officially open a Changing Place for people with disability in the City of Fremantle’s new Walyalup Koort Civic Centre (previously Kings Square).
The McGowan Government provided a grant of $150,000 towards the development of the facility as part of the Government’s commitment to support a growing State-wide network of Changing Places.
Changing Places are important facilities that provide a safe and sanitary place for people with disability who require assistance and specialised equipment for their continence needs, including a height-adjustable adult changing bench and a ceiling hoist.
The first Changing Places were launched in the United Kingdom in 2006 to support the many people who cannot use standard accessible toilets, including those with profound and multiple learning disabilities, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and elderly people.
There are now 35 Changing Places right across Western Australia – from Meckering to Mandurah, Scarborough to South Hedland and Broome to Bunbury. These are part of a national network of over 170 Changing Places.
The recent 2021-22 Budget includes the delivery of the $2 million McGowan Government election commitment to support the construction of an additional 15 to 20 Changing Places over the next two years.
$500,000 was allocated in 2021-22, with the remaining $1.5 million allocated in 2022-23. The Department of Communities has commenced preliminary work to consider potential gaps in the existing network of Changing Places and areas of identified need.
