Tamworth's CBD becomes more accessible with works beginning on Changing Places accessible change facility and transport bay

After six years of hard work and advocacy by a group of Tamworth locals, construction will finally begin on an accredited Changing Places Facility in Bicentennial Park this week.

It's hoped the unique space will make life easier for disabled and elderly residents and their carers by providing a purpose built toilet and changing space with a ceiling track hoist, adult change table, shower and a nearby transport hub for unloading wheelchairs.

Disability advocate Fiona Hemmings first brought the issue to Tamworth Regional Council's (TRC) attention in 2016, and said it's fantastic to finally see it get off the ground.

"It was a need that we identified when one of my friends had an issue in town with her daughter," she said.

"We were looking for places where she could freshen up.

"As a local business operator I often take people with disabilities around on trips and we were having to book motels to freshen up, so I thought we need something like this, and the idea grew from there."

The $625,000 project was fully funded from the Federal Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCI), which aims to help local economies bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The deputy prime minister, Barnaby Joyce, said he was proud to be associated with such a project.

"It's facilities like this that continue to grow regional Australia, as we continuously lift the standard of living for people in Tamworth and the New England," Mr Joyce said.

"I'm proud to be part of a Coalition Government that tirelessly stands up, and fights for the most vulnerable in our regional communities."

The state government also contributed a further $250,000 to the project, which will enable the construction of shelter and shade and some additional embellishments for the facility.

Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said it was money well spent, as the space would be a game-changer for many.

"People come to Tamworth for a variety of reasons and those with a disability quite often travel long distances, so they need to be able to freshen up," he said.

"People who come to this great city from far and wide will be able to freshen up, have a shower, recharge their wheelchair or whatever other device they have, this makes it so much more accessible."

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Chair of TRC's disability access working group Helen Tickle said the project has been six years in the making, and will have enormous benefits.

"It's certainly a very welcome addition to the many facilities we already have to enhance an inclusive community," she said.

"I particularly want to acknowledge the work of the disability sector who've been involved all the way to help us come up with the plans to ensure it services that sector as it should."

Acknowledging it hasn't been an easy journey, TRC mayor Russell Webb said he was proud Tamworth would be home to one of the very few Changing Spaces Facilities in regional Australia.

"It's taken quite a number of years and of course the accreditation rules have changed in that time and it's been a lot more difficult to get to where we are today," he said.

The facility will be safeguarded with a key lock system that is run by the Master Locksmiths Association, allowing the local disabled community access, while preventing vandalism.

"People will need to gain access to a key in order to use it... it's a shame, but that's the way society is today," Cr Webb added.

Construction is set to be completed by the end of June 2022.

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