Commendation for Memorial Square Redevelopment

Published on 29 May 2025

Colac Otway Shire Council has received commendation for the Best Rural/Regional Industry Contribution Award for the Memorial Square Changing Places Facility at the Parks and Leisure Australia (Victoria and Tasmania) Awards of Excellence.

A key criterion of the award is demonstrating how the initiative addresses regional and rural social, cultural, heritage, environmental or economic issues, and what benefits it brings to the community.

The Changing Place Facility in Memorial Square is the first such facility within Colac Otway Shire and was part of the larger Memorial Square Public Toilet Redevelopment completed in June 2024.

A Changing Places toilet facility is a fully accessible restroom designed to meet the needs of people with severe disabilities, featuring equipment like a height-adjustable changing bench and hoist.

Its value to the community lies in promoting dignity, independence, and inclusion, ensuring that everyone can access public spaces safely and comfortably.

The Memorial Square Public Toilet Redevelopment was also nominated for Community Facility of the Year.

Winners were announced at the Parks and Leisure Australia Victoria and Tasmania 2025 Conference held in Melbourne on 21 May 2025.