On a visit to the Town Hall Arcade public toilets in Mudgee, I was unable to open the toilet door independently and had to phone my mum to come into town and open it so I could use the facility.

As a wheelchair user, that moment was not just inconvenient, it was deeply frustrating and disheartening. It stripped away my independence and dignity, and it reinforced something that many people in our community have shared with me: public amenities should support independence, dignity and inclusion, not create additional barriers.

Following my report to Council, some of the graffiti was removed, and I appreciate that action was taken. However, the broader concerns relating to accessibility, maintenance, reliability and the overall user experience remain.

Since raising this issue, I have spoken with people with disabilities, older residents, parents with prams, carers, local businesses and visitors to our region. Many have shared concerns about the condition of the Town Hall Arcade public toilets, including vandalism, graffiti, maintenance issues, reliability and the overall feeling of safety when using the facility. Local business owners have also raised concerns about inappropriate use of the amenities and the impact this has on people’s confidence in using them. Regardless of the cause, the outcome is the same: people who rely on public amenities deserve facilities that are clean, safe and dependable.

After I left the toilets on that visit, a visitor to Mudgee entered the facilities and commented on how disappointed they were by their condition. Hearing that was upsetting. It reminded me that this issue extends beyond local residents. Mudgee is a vibrant regional destination that welcomes thousands of visitors each year, and our public amenities should reflect the welcoming and inclusive community we are proud to be.

Public toilets are essential community infrastructure. They are relied upon not only by people with disabilities, but also by older Australians, parents with prams, carers assisting loved ones, people recovering from injury, visitors to our region and anyone who may temporarily or permanently require additional accessibility support.

At present, the Town Hall Arcade public toilet is not classified as a dedicated accessible toilet. While there are other accessible facilities available in Mudgee, such as the library and the Anglican Church amenities, many visitors, and even some local residents, may not know where they are. People should not have to rely on local knowledge or search for an alternative when they urgently need a public toilet. A clearly identifiable, reliable and genuinely accessible public toilet in the heart of the CBD is essential for an inclusive community.

Council has advised that a refurbishment of the Town Hall Arcade public toilets, including a new accessible toilet, is planned for the next financial year. I welcome this commitment and appreciate that Council recognises the importance of improving accessibility within the Mudgee CBD.

This petition is intended to demonstrate the community’s support for that investment while encouraging timely delivery, transparent communication and meaningful consultation with people who have lived experience of disability, as well as other community members who will use these facilities every day. Accessibility is about more than meeting minimum standards. It is about creating public amenities that are practical, safe, welcoming and genuinely usable for everyone.

We respectfully ask Mid-Western Regional Council to:

 ● Deliver the Town Hall Arcade public toilet refurbishment as a priority.
 ● Ensure the new accessible toilet is designed in consultation with people who have lived experience of disability and follows recognised accessibility standards and best practice.
 ● Create facilities that are easy to locate, safe, welcoming and support independent use wherever possible.
 ● Continue to improve the cleanliness, maintenance and security of the existing toilets while the refurbishment is being planned and delivered.
 ● Keep the community informed about the project’s progress and opportunities for consultation.

This petition is not about assigning blame. It is about bringing our community together behind a shared goal: ensuring that Mudgee has public amenities that reflect the values of inclusion, accessibility, dignity and respect. By working collaboratively with Council, people with lived experience, local businesses and the wider community, we can help create facilities that serve everyone well for many years to come.

Everyone deserves the confidence and peace of mind of knowing that when they visit Mudgee’s town centre, there will be clean, safe and genuinely accessible public amenities available when they need them.

If you believe everyone deserves safe, welcoming and accessible public toilets in the heart of Mudgee, please sign this petition and help support a refurbishment that meets the needs of our whole community.