Lakes Entrance is set to become a more disability friendly tourism destination with a Changing Places toilet and bathroom facility to be constructed on the Esplanade near the footbridge, located at the central footbridge site.

Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, wrote to East Gippsland Shire in July this year urging it to apply for the State grant after contact from local resident, Liz Riseley, seeking this facility be built in Lakes.

“I have known Liz for a long time and thought ‘what a bloody good idea’, so wrote to council and to their credit they applied for the grant of $180,000, which was successful.

“Council is also committing $60,000 of its own funds to bring it to fruition.

“Lakes Entrance is one of our state’s prime tourist destinations and it should have a facility like this to cater for all with special needs.

“Changing Places facilities have disability friendly access, a height adjustable changing bench for adults and a tracking hoist system with enough space for two people.

“The key point here is people who are caring for loved ones with special needs seek out tourist locations with this sort of facility, which is a key factor in determining where they holiday.

“It is one of the many cases where a constituent with a good idea comes forward and we get a positive outcome,” said Mr Bull.
Mother, Liz Riseley, says Changing Places are essential to provide users and their carer a safe, hygienic and dignified place to toilet and change.
“A Changing Places bathroom will support Harry, his carers and us as a family to participate more freely within the community, taking out the need to transport Harry home each time he requires the bathroom. We are so pleased the Shire has seen the need and what an asset a Changing Places toilet will be to the area," she said.
East Gippsland Shire Mayor, Mark Reeves, said this is a great project that Council was pleased to support and seek grant funding for.

“Providing accessible facilities is part of Council’s role in providing an inclusive and caring community. We look forward to the facility making it easier for more people to visit and enjoy Lakes Entrance,” Cr Reeves said.

Caption: Caption: Member for Gippsland East and Shadow Minister for Disability, Tim Bull, is pictured with Harry and Liz Riseley and carer Rhonda, at the proposed Changing Places site in Lakes Entrance.