Victorians will be able to enjoy better access to community facilities and 19 new Changing Places thanks to $5.4 million in grant funding.
This funding will help make it easier for all Victorians to join in community and social activities. This includes people with disability, autism, and dementia.
Grants for universal design improvements
The Victorian Government has announced that 27 organisations will receive universal design grants to help ensure programs and services are accessible to as many people as possible inclusive of age, disability, gender identity, culture, and language.
The grants, totalling $2.4 million, will support both small and large-scale improvement to facilities.
Local communities will enjoy a range of accessible upgrades thanks to these grants. Funded projects include:
- dementia-friendly sensory gardens
- accessible beach items such as wheelchair beach access matting and portable lifts
- quiet sensory areas and
- accessible doorways, ramps, toilets and signage.
To find out more about universal design visit the Universal Design webpage on the Service Providers website.
Grant recipients include:
| Grant organisation | Project name | Grant amount |
|---|---|---|
| ACMI | ACMI’s Universal Design Upgrades | $57,800 |
| Alpine Shire Council | Myrtleford Memorial Hall Revival - Universal Design | $100,000 |
| Apollo Bay & District Historical Society Incorporated | New Covered entrance ramp and disabled access | $29,370 |
| Avenel Jubilee Park Committee of Management | Avenel Community Hub all abilities project | $29,476 |
| Ballarat Group Training | Barkly Square Accessibility Plan | $100,000 |
| Bass Coast Shire Council | Rhyll Mechanics Hall Improvement Project | $100,000 |
| Beaconsfield Officer Scouts Group | Supporting ASD youth with Sensory Issues | $10,000 |
| Camperdown Pastoral and Agricultural Society | ACCESS a LOO | $23,636 |
| Cardinia Shire Council | Access Upgrade Program: Beaconsfield Officer Scouts | $70,000 |
| Chiltern Neighbourhood House | Chiltern Neighbourhood House Dementia-friendly and Sensory Garden | $80,910 |
| City of Port Phillip | Powered wheelchair storage facility | $30,000 |
| Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority | Anglesea Accessible Beaches Upgrade | $54,779 |
| Indigo Shire Council | Rutherglen Maternal and Child Health Centre and Youth Centre Universal Access Project | $65,000 |
| Indigo Shire Council | Chiltern Senior Citizens Clubrooms Universal Access Improvements | $85,500 |
| Indigo Shire Council | Rutherglen Senior Citizens Clubrooms Universal Access Project | $26,200 |
| Koorie Heritage Trust Inc | Koorie Heritage Trust First Nations signage upgrade | $47,618 |
| Orwil Street Community House | Acoustic Panels for Orwil Street | $10,000 |
| Remembrance Parks Central Victoria | An Accessible Memorial Centre | $4,870 |
| Waranga Boat Club Inc | Waranga Boat Club Clubhouse Access Improvement | $75,000 |
| Warracknabeal Band and Scout Hall Committee | Warracknabeal band and Scout Hall Amenities Upgrade Project | $51,336 |
| Yarra City Council | CSCC Southern Entry Upgrade | $90,200 |
Grant recipients include:
| Grant organisation | Project name | Grant amount |
|---|---|---|
| Campaspe Shire Council | Victoria Park Boat Ramp Universal Access Project | $445,683 |
| Collingwood Yards | Universal design in public spaces at Collingwood Yards arts precinct | $128,313 |
| Moonee Valley City Council | Incinerator Gallery Accessible Lift | $211,750 |
| Nillumbik Shire Council | Alistair Knox Park | $233,431 |
| Phillip Island Nature Parks | Pyramid Rock Toilet Renewal | $135,000 |
| Queenscliffe Maritime Museum Incorporated | Building an accessible ramp to experience museum exhibit Vessel Mavis III | $122,709 |
Changing Places grants
In addition, more than $3 million in grant funding will help expand Victoria’s network of Changing Places toilets.
There are 19 organisations receiving grants as part of the 2022 Changing Places funding round.
Changing Places provide suitable facilities for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets. They allow people with disability with high support needs to fully take part in the community.
To find out more about Changing Places visit the Changing Places webpage on the Service Providers website.
| Organisation name | Project name | Grant amount |
|---|---|---|
| Banyule City Council | Changing Places - WaterMarc | $100,000 |
| Barwon Coast Committee of Management | Ocean Grove Main Beach Changing Places Facility | $180,000 |
| Bayside City Council | Beaumaris Art Studios Changing Places | $180,000 |
| Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management | Portarlington Main Beach Public Amenity | $180,000 |
| Bendigo City Council | Heathcote Changing Place | $180,000 |
| City of Melbourne | Munro Library and Community Hub | $180,000 |
| Colac Otway Shire Council | Memorial Square Public Toilets | $180,000 |
| Darebin City Council | Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre | $26,152 |
| East Gippsland Council | Lakes Entrance Changing Places Facility | $180,000 |
| Falls Creek Resorts | Falls Creek Foreshore Facilities Upgrade | $180,000 |
| Hobsons Bay City Council | Bruce Comben Reserve Community Area and All Abilities Play Space | $180,000 |
| Indigo Shire Council | Martins Park Changing Place Facility Project | $180,000 |
| Maroondah City Council | Jubilee Park Recreation Precinct Ringwood | $180,000 |
| Mildura Shire Council | Changing Places Fit Out - Mildura Sporting Precinct | $148,550 |
| Murrindindi Shire Council | Absolutely Everyone changes at the Eildon Splash and Play Park | $136,800 |
| Nillumbik Shire Council | Alistair Knox Park | $180,000 |
| Rural City of Wangaratta | Apex Park Changing Places | $180,000 |
| Southern Grampians | Changing Places in Hamilton | $180,000 |
| Wodonga City Council | Junction Square Bike Hub & Changing Place | $143,530 |