Australia Zoo opens new inclusive Changing Places facility

To mark Changing Places Awareness Day on 19th July, Australia Zoo has announced the opening of their new Changing Places facility, aimed at making a real difference to the lives of people with high support needs who will be visiting and spending their day at the zoo.

These facilities are larger than standard accessible toilets with an adult-sized changing table, ceiling hoist, a peninsular toilet, privacy screen and additional circulation space to meet the various needs of people with complex disabilities.

Changing Places first launched in the United Kingdom in 2006. Upon requesting relevant design specifications, the first facility in Australia was opened in Melbourne in 2014. Today, there are 1619 facilities in the United Kingdom, and 177 facilities in Australia, now with the newest addition open at Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast. 

Owner of Australia Zoo, Terri Irwin enthused “I am exceedingly proud of our team at Australia Zoo who built this remarkable facility, a passion project that has beautifully come to life. We are so happy to open a Changing Places within Australia Zoo.

"We are the only zoological destination in Queensland, and one of only two locations on the Sunshine Coast to introduce a Changing Places facility. This is an excellent milestone to accomplish, and we look forward to welcoming visitors with high support needs to use this facility comfortably, with plenty of space for them, their family or carer.”

Changing Places spokesperson added “we could not be prouder to see Australia Zoo open its doors to people with high support needs and their carers. When you build a Changing Places, you’re unlocking the world to people with disabilities, their carers, family and friends.

“As an incredibly popular tourist destination, it’s great to see Australia Zoo leading the way in creating tourism opportunities for all Australians.”

Australia Zoo’s Changing Places facility is located within close proximity to the Admissions area or the Otter habitat, and is accessible for guests during regular operating hours, 9am to 5pm daily. Carers of visitors with high support needs who present a Companion Card receive free entry to the zoo, and can access the facility using an MLAK key. If the carer does not have access to the key, one can be requested from the Australia Zoo team.

Image courtesy of Australia Zoo.