Our Changing Places facility at the inclusive Thomas Street Reserve Playground has been voted the best designed in Australia.
A panel of Changing Places and sensory experts judged it on a range of criteria including overall ambience, visual appeal, use of colour, lighting and consideration of sensory sensitivity.
There are 180 registered Changing Places facilities in Australia that meet the required technical specifications.
Changing Places facilities are larger than standard accessible toilets, have an adult-sized change table and have extra features and more space to meet the needs of people with complex disabilities and their carers.
Changing Places users and carers can spend more than 20 minutes in a Changing Places facility, making visual style and design important elements.
The Best Designed Changing Places in Australia, 2021 was run by advocacy group Changing Places and sponsored by consultants Equal Access.
City of Bayside Mayor, Cr Alex del Porto said it is an honour to have won the Changing Places Design Competition.
"Bayside City Council is committed to improving access and inclusion within Bayside and this award is welcome recognition of this commitment.
"The facility supports visitors to the new inclusive playground at Thomas Street Reserve in Hampton, and anyone passing through the area seeking a Changing Places facility," Cr del Porto said.
He described the design as light and playful to complement the natural and open atmosphere of the playground.
"The facility sits within the footprint of the public toilets, further spatially and visually reinforcing the inclusive nature of the Thomas Street Reserve Playground. It is a space where we hope the whole community feels welcomed and included."
Bayside has another Changing Places accessible toilet and change facility at Wells St, Brighton.
