The Andrews Labor Government is investing to make the state more inclusive for all Victorians, making popular tourist destinations and community facilities more accessible for people with disability.

Today Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle and Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison announced that Ballarat Group Training at Barkly Square will receive a grant $100,000 as part of the Labor Government’s Changing Places and Universal Design grants program, aimed at making it easier for all Victorians to take part in community and social activities.

Announcing 46 accessibility grants through a $5.4 million investment, the Labor Government is cementing its reputation as the most inclusive and welcoming state in Australia.

The grants program has allocated $3 million to build 19 new fully accessible Changing Places bathroom facilities and $2.4 million for 27 Universal Design grants to improve the accessibility of community facilities and public spaces.

Ballarat Group Training, guided by the Barkly Square Accessibility Plan, will use the funds to upgrade the site through the installation of automatic opening doors to five site entrances and two accessible toilets, as well as the replacement of external stairs with a ramp.

Funds have been allocated to designs that include the installation of beach wheelchair access matting in Anglesea, a dementia-friendly sensory garden in Chiltern and accessibility upgrades to playgrounds and play equipment, doorways, toilets and ramps at venues across regional Victoria and greater Melbourne.

The grants announcements comes as the Labor Government reached an important milestone in its delivery of reforms to improve inclusion, with 100 Changing Places now located in Victoria out of 227 nationally.

The Changing Place grant round builds on $5 million previously invested to build Changing Places facilities across Victoria.

To find maps of popular tourist spots with Changing Places toilets and your closest facility visit changingplaces.org.au.

Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“Everybody in our community deserves to have access to the same education and training opportunities as others, and to experience the joy of special places like Barkly Square.      

Barkly Square contributes so much to the social fabric of our community, and I am so pleased that this funding will make it an even more inclusive space.“   

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“Ballarat is working towards being a more inclusive city which is why grant programs like this are so important. This funding will ensure dignity for all and make sure that everyone can access the facilities they need.”