Wollongong's first adult change table at Stuart Park toilet block

The opening this week of a new accessible toilet block – with the city’s first adult change table – will enable people with a disability like Ms Mathews to enjoy extended visits to the area.

Alysha Sleiman, team leader at The Disability Trust’s Foothills day program, often takes Ms Mathews – who has cerebal palsy and a severe intellectual disability – to the park.

‘’Just being out in the community makes her happy,’’ Ms Sleiman said. ‘’All our clients have high support needs but they love to be out and about, and it’s great to have facilities like these so we don’t have to pack up and rush back to the centre for their personal care. It really opens up their day out.’’

The Disability Trust spokesman Sean O’Neill welcomed the new amenity, which also features two external showers and accessible and ambulant toilets.

However while the change table is height adjustable, he said he’d also like to see a hoist installed for ease of lifting. A Wollongong City Council spokesman said there was provision for a hoist, which could be installed at a later stage. 

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said the toilet block complemented other recent upgrades to the park, including connecting pathways to the new picnic shelters and accessible barbecues.

‘’We’re opening up Stuart Park for those with mobility issues,’’ he said. ‘’It allows people with disabilities and their carers to get out and enjoy the park and cabanas, with appropriate toilet facilities nearby.’’

The amenities block also features a stormwater tank, which will capture water for flushing the toilets. The adjacent, ageing toilet block will now be demolished.

Councillor Bradbery said the updates were all part of the council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan, adopted six months ago.

Over the next four years, the plan aims to give people with disabilities greater access to council information, services and facilities.