Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson and Division 3 Councillor Peter Cox cut the ribbon to officially open the new Changing Places at Currimundi’s Grahame Stewart Park.
One of the Sunshine Coast’s premier parks is now home to the region’s first Changing Places public amenities block, catering for people with high support needs who can’t use accessible toilets.
Located at Currimundi’s Grahame Stewart Park, the new amenities ensure adequate space and equipment is available for people with high support needs.
Sunshine Coast Council Division 3 Councillor Peter Cox said council was committed to improving access and inclusion for the benefit of all residents.
“These new amenities have been built in accordance with the Changing Places guidelines, an initiative which began in the United Kingdom, with the first Changing Places amenities opening in Australia in 2014,” Cr Cox said.
“Changing Places is all about allowing people with high support needs to fully participate in our community.
“Council engaged a Changing Places consultant to ensure the facilities met all requirements for it to become a fully accredited Changing Places location.
“There are 158 Changing Places in Australia and I’m proud the Sunshine Coast can now be added to the map.”
The new facility includes a shower, adult sized change table, ceiling hoist, a toilet privacy screen and additional circulation space.
The $200,000 project was delivered by Sunshine Coast Council thanks to the Queensland Government’s Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package.
Cr Cox said the upgrade was another boost to the much-loved family park.
“Accessing public toilets is something many of us take for granted, but it’s a real challenge for certain members of our community.
“The new Changing Places facility truly complements the existing amenities building opened in March 2020.
“Grahame Stewart Park continues to grow and be incredibly popular with families and I know this improvement will make it easier for more people to enjoy this great spot.”
Queensland Minister for Disability Services, Craig Crawford said the Sunshine Coast’s first Changing Places amenities was just one sign of more to come to make our public places more accessible for everyone.
“The Palaszczuk Government is so proud to be supporting this initiative, as we continue to build awareness of how inclusive our state is,” Mr Crawford said.
“As Minister for Disability Services, this project makes me extremely proud.”
Grahame Stewart Park is located between Croydon Avenue and Ilya Street, Currimundi.
