Pilbara's first Changing Places Facility opens at the South Hedland Aquatic Centre

Western Australia’s 19th Changing Places facility - providing more accessible toileting facilities for people with a disability - has been opened at the South Hedland Aquatic Centre

Parts of a global network to provide more accessible amenities, the facility is the first of its type in the Pilbara - offering an adult sized change table, hoist, accessible toilet and shower, while also providing more space for users and their carers.

At the recent opening, Town of Port Hedland Mayor Camilo Blanco said the new facility is an important step towards a more inclusive community, commenting “it means people of all abilities can visit the Aquatic Centre with the peace of mind that their basic needs can be met in a comfortable, clean and dignified setting. This service incorporates state of the art accessibility technology, empowering people with a disability and their carers to enjoy the freedoms many of us take for granted."

 “Importantly, this facility says that we are a Town that values everyone’s involvement and participation in communal life.

“I would like to thank the strong advocacy and collaboration between community members, Council and the WA Government for working over many years to make this a reality.”

About 200,000 Australians with disability require assistance to meet their bathroom and personal hygiene needs and without appropriate public facilities, their options are limited and their opportunities to actively participate in community life is restricted.

Western Australin Disability Services Minister Stephen Dawson added “the Changing Places network is an important part of improving inclusiveness and accessibility in our community.

"Without appropriate public changing facilities, the options for people are usually limited and undignified.

"As the network of Changing Places expands, so do the options for people with disability to plan and travel and enjoy time away from home with family and friends, confident that access to the facilities they need won't be an issue."

Use of the facility is subject to the opening times of the South Hedland Aquatic Centre, which can be found at www.porthedlandleisure.com.au/south-hedland-aquatic.aspx