Knowing where to go

10 Jul 2018

The ‘Know Where To Go?’ flyer has been distributed throughout the Territory and helps to raise awareness of the Toilet Map App and Project.

COTA volunteers have been working on a project grant-funded by The Continence Foundation of Australia to raise awareness of the National Public Toilet Map. They undertook the very large task of updating and improving information listed for public and private public toilet facilities in the Northern Territory. As over 5 million Australians experience bladder or bowel control problems, it’s not a small or unique problem by any means. COTA NT knows of many local seniors whose lives are made miserable and whose self-dignity is compromised by being ‘caught short’.

Knowing where toilets are when you’re moving around town or travelling can make a big difference to quality of life and improve independence.  Having a map to find toilets and plan outings with can be a valuable tool.

The Toilet Map is available on mobile devices at toiletmap.gov.au or as downloads from the App Store or Google Play. The map shows locations of public and private public toilet facilities, details of facilities along major travel routes and for shorter journeys (accessibility, opening hours and features are also included).

COTA volunteers spent – and continue to spend – time contacting local councils, shopping centres, large stores, service stations, Parks and Wildlife and more. COTA NT will lobby for continual improvement in the provision of public toilet facilities – an increase in number (especially in central urban areas), opening hours and easier access wherever possible. The work to raise awareness and importance of the Toilet Map will continue, but it’s also up to Territorians to improve things. If you manage a facility with a public toilet, put the details into The Toilet Map. If you think public toilets can be improved, tell your local alderman about it – it’s a great service to seniors and the wider community.

Continence Helpline (free phone) 1800 22 00 66 (available 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday).

~ Sue Shearer, CEO COTA NT

Tags: Seniors Voice