Changing Places facility increases accessibility at events across Greater Geelong

The City of Greater Geelong has advised that it is installing the portable, fully accessible Changing Places facility, Marveloo, at events and community sites.

The self-contained structure provides a track hoist and adjustable adult change table for use by people with disabilities and their carers.

Geelong’s first Changing Places facility was installed in Geelong at Leisurelink in 2009 and the City now has nine such sites across the municipality with a further five currently under construction.

The transportable Marveloo offers people with a disability, families, and carers the opportunity to participate in a broad range of community events.

The City supported the use of the Marveloo at last year’s Royal Geelong Show, while just last month it was hired outside the City boundaries as the Dylan Alcott Foundation hosted ‘Ability Fest’, Australia’s first and only completely inclusive and fully accessible music festival.

The City’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee was instrumental in advocating for the project and bringing the initiative to fruition.

Marveloo is available for hire and can be installed on site at most major festivals and events throughout Greater Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula.

City of Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan notes “having Marveloo available for events is a significant step forward in ensuring that Geelong is an accessible and inclusive city.

“We all understand the importance of every community member feeling valued and, in part, that can be achieved by ensuring that everyone is able to come along and be a part of activities hosted in and around the city.

“Initiatives of this nature mean that people will be able to attend events around our region and have access to safe, comfortable and dignified bathroom and change facilities.”

Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken - Chair of the Inclusion and Care portfolio added “I welcome the use of Marveloo at events across Greater Geelong and encourage community members to consider how it might make their future events more inclusive.”

Contact Council to hire a Marveloo.

Images. Credit: Changing Places