New public toilets for Alistair Knox Park
Published on 22 March 2024
Work has started this week on the new public toilets in Alistair Knox Park in Eltham, which will include Nillumbik’s first registered Changing Places facility, supporting people with high-care needs and their carers.
The toilet block will also include a further two accessible toilets and four cubicle toilets.
The new toilet block will be more visible and accessible to high-use areas of the park including the playground and Diamond Creek Trail as well as the Eltham Library, Eltham Central Oval, cafes and other recreational facilities, providing convenient and safe access.
Changing Places facilities are larger-than-standard accessible toilets with extra features and more space to cater for people with high-care needs and their carers. They include a height-adjustable, adult-sized change table, electronic hoist, accessible toilet and shower.
New accessible car parking will be created in Panther Place, with an accessible path connecting to the facility and other park features.
Wingrove Ward Councillor Geoff Paine said Council was committed to ensuring people with high support needs and their carers could take part in all aspects of community life.
“This will be the first Changing Places facility in Nillumbik and it really makes a huge difference for both residents and visitors with high-care needs,” Cr Paine said.
“The simple things many of us take for granted, like going for a picnic in the park, taking a walk along the Diamond Creek Trail, visiting the library or attending events and festivals will be so much easier.
“Visitors to the Shire can be confident we have the facilities to meet their needs.”
The project will also include a mural within the Changing Places facility to create a welcoming and comfortable space for users and their carers, who often spend extended periods of time attending to their high-care needs.
The Changing Places and public toilet facility is being jointly funded by the Victorian Government through Changing Places and Universal Design grants, and Council.
More information about Changing Places facilities, including locations, can be found at the Changing Places website: changingplaces.org.au.
Stay up to date about the project at our Projects and Works page.
Frequently asked questions
What will the new toilet block at Alistair Knox Park include?
The new public toilet block in Alistair Knox Park will include:
- Nillumbik’s first registered ‘Changing Places’ facility for people with high-care needs
- Two full accessible toilets
- Two ambulant cubicle toilets
- Two standard cubicle toilets
- New accessible car parking in Panther Place
- Accessible pathways
- Landscaping
- Bike racks
- Shade structures and street furniture
- Lighting and wayfinding signage
- Artwork inside the Changing Places facility
Why is a new toilet block being built?
It is estimated more than 60,000 people visit Alistair Knox Park each year.
The current toilet block near Main Road in Alistair Knox Park is ageing, has a failing sewer connection and no longer complies with current standards or community expectations.
It did not have suitable facilities for people with disability and was poorly located in an area difficult to access.
What is a Changing Places facility?
Changing Places facilities can be found around Australia and are for people with high-support needs and their families/carers.
They are larger than standard accessible toilets and have extra features.
They include a height-adjustable adult-sized change table, a ceiling track hoist system, a centrally-located peninsula toilet, a shower, privacy screen and automatic door.
There is enough space for up to two carers to support someone with a disability.
More information about Changing Places facilities, including locations, can be found at the Changing Places website.
When will the facility be opened to the public?
At this stage, we anticipate the toilets will be completed mid-2024.
What will happen to the old toilet block?
The toilet block will be demolished at a later date.