A Yarra Ranges Shire news release says a special key will need to be purchased by those who wish to use the ‘Changing Places’ facility at Yarra Glen’s new public toilets:

The new toilet block with a type two Changing Places facility has been completed in Yarra Glen’s McKenzie Reserve, providing improved amenities and accessible facilities in the heart of town.

The toilet block behind the Memorial Hall was demolished in early May and works began shortly after to rebuild the toilet block, featuring two new accessible toilets and a type two changing facility for people living with a disability.

Ryrie Ward Councillor Fiona McAllister said the Changing Places toilet and public toilet block would help people living with a disability and their carers to enjoy the playground and allow them to use amenities close by.

“The playground has a lot of activities that are accessible for people with disabilities, both adults and children,” Cr McAllister said.

“This is not just for the growth of use in the playground, it’s for people in town. Given its location, it’s easy to get to and it’s got that lovely addition of the Changing Places accessible toilet.”

“This will put Yarra Glen on a different map, which is a really brilliant thing to be able to achieve.”

Yarra Glen Chamber of Commerce member Bill Verhagen (pictured with Cr McAllister) said he was satisfied to see the project nearing completion.

“This is so appreciated, on behalf of the community and the Chamber of Commerce,” he said.

The Changing Places movement began in the United Kingdom and involved work from a strong advocacy group to develop accessible toilet facilities for people with severe physical, multiple or intellectual disabilities.

People with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well as spinal injuries, spina bifida, motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis or an acquired brain injury, require extra facilities to allow them to use the toilets comfortably.
The Yarra Glen facility has been accredited as an official Changing Places facility. Others in the municipality include Lillydale Lake, the Yarra Centre in Yarra Junction and Monbulk Aquatic Centre.

Council received a contribution of $125,000 through the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund to build the type two Changing Places Facility. The remainder of the project was funded by Council.

The Changing Places facility requires a Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) to gain access.

To find out how to purchase a key, visit the Master Locksmith Association of Australasia website.

The Yarra Glen facility has been accredited as an official Changing Places facility. Others in the municipality include Lillydale Lake, the Yarra Centre in Yarra Junction and Monbulk Aquatic Centre.

Council received a contribution of $125,000 through the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund to build the type two Changing Places Facility. The remainder of the project was funded by Council.

The Changing Places facility requires a Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) to gain access.

To find out how to purchase a key, visit the Master Locksmith Association of Australasia website.