Incontinence is a significant health problem that has physical, social and economic implications for women and men of all ages as well as children, carers, families and the community.
With nearly four million Australians affected by some degree of incontinence, access to appropriate public amenities can significantly improve their participation in the community.
The Australian Government was pleased to sponsor The Universal Design for Public Amenities award this year, through the Department of Transport and Regional Services awards for Local Government. This new category recognises the importance of easy access, innovative design and community involvement that meets the needs of all members of the community.
The winning entries in 2007 came from the City of Albany in Western Australia, and Hobart City Council.
In the “under 15,000 ratepayers” category, the City of Albany’s project incorporates a variety of environmentally friendly and sustainable aspects, including a prefabricated concrete structure that can be reconfigured into different designs.
The toilet also uses the latest in water recycling and composting technology. The design is aesthetically pleasing and easily transportable, allowing delivery and installation in remote locations that would otherwise have no public amenities.
The winning entry from large category Council, Hobart City Council, also demonstrates an environmentally friendly design, incorporating water saving technology, and offering easy access for people with disabilities and proximity to other community facilities.
Funding for these awards was provided from the Australian Government’s National Continence Management Strategy.
This strategy aims to help improve community awareness of incontinence and its management and treatment. All projects funded under the strategy must support the following priority areas: information and evidence, awareness raising, workforce support, intervention and management.
You can find more information about bladder and bowel health and early intervention and management of continence problems – at the Australian Government web site www.bladderbowel.gov.au
The Australian Government also helps people to locate suitable public toilets across Australia.
The National Public Toilet Map, found at www.toiletmap.gov.au, shows the location of more than 14,000 public and private public toilet facilities.
This site has interactive search facilities that give information about each toilet including its location, opening hours, availability of baby change rooms, accessibility for people with disabilities and the details of other nearby toilets.
For more information on continence management, contact the National Continence Helpline. It is staffed by qualified continence nurse advisers who provide expert, confidential advice and information to health professionals and the general public.
The helpline number is 1 800 33 00 66.
