Sydney’s first fully accessible amenities facility in a public park has been opened today at Bankstown City Gardens, by City of Canterbury Bankstown Administrator Richard Colley, General Manager Matthew Stewart, and Federal Member for Blaxland Jason Clare.
Called a Changing Places Amenity, the facility is specifically designed for people with disability.
“Council worked closely with the community to bring this state of the art facility to reality for our high-care special-needs residents and visitors,” Mr Colley said.
“This new building now enables families to plan their day with the knowledge there will be appropriate facilities at Bankstown City Gardens to support them.”
The facility is more spacious than a standard bathroom and has been designed and equipped with extra features to accommodate people with a wide range of disabilities and learning difficulties. These include:
- A ceiling hoist and gantry system;
- A height adjustable adult changing bench;
- An internal shower and wash area; and
- An external hand-wash area.
Council invested $315,000 in the project while the Federal Government contributed $20,000 through its Stronger Communities Program. Mr Clare, who advocated for the funding on Council’s behalf, said the Changing Places Amenity is the first of its kind in a park setting in Sydney.
“And it’s great it’s here in the heart of our community,” Mr Clare said.
“I’m proud to have helped fund this facility and make our community more inclusive and accessible.”
Council is now finalising plans for an all-abilities inclusive playground, to be called Livvi’s Place, which will be constructed at Bankstown City Gardens next year.
In the meantime, a second Changing Places Amenity will be installed in Gough Whitlam Park at Earlwood early next year.
ISSUED: 14 OCTOBER 2016
MEDIA CONTACT: BENJAMIN GRANGER 02 9790 2466
