You may have read my previous blog about Rachael and Jodie’s visit to the South West.
The lack of Changing Places facilities in the South West and the impact it had of their holiday has not gone unnoticed.
Minister Stephen Dawson (Disabilities) has given his support and contacted the Augusta Margaret River Shire in writing to encourage the project be a priority. He has provided all the information for available funding. I’ve enjoyed our Facebook and Twitter exchanges!
Libby Mettam MLA has organised for me to meet with the Busselton Shire Councillors to look at the Busselton Community and the possibility of a Changing Places Facility there and has given her support to making this happen.
Terry Redman MLA and I met and discussed at length the issues around Access and Inclusion for Margaret River and the South West Region. Terry continues to support to our campaign while fighting the Governments closure of the Agricultural Schools. (More on that later.)
Pam Townshend (President Augusta Margaret River Shire) and Julie Meldrum (Vice President Augusta Margaret River Shire) have also had engaging conversations with me around the needs of our community and have given their support. Pam and Julia are actively working to ensure a Changing Places Facility is a reality for Margaret River in the very near future.
Ant and Rita Purcell from Disabled Surfers Association – South West have been fighting this fight long before me and I’m thankful for their support and friendship.
Remember this could be you, your child, your partner, your parent, who one day finds themselves needing these facilities.
When I hear that adults with disabilities are being changed on the floors of public toilets it make me sick to the stomach. Next time you are in a public toilet, look at the floor. Would you you even sit on it?
Check out a great video here …
http://www.joondalup.wa.gov.au/Live/AccessandInclusion/ChangingPlaces.aspx
Looking forward to opening a few facilities in the South West soon!
JF
Jonelle Fraser 