Accessible facilities at MAC
At MAC we welcome people of all abilities so you will find a range of accessible facilities and amenities.
We also offer concession casual rates and memberships, as well as free entry for carers upon presentation of a valid companion card.
Below you will find:
Accessible features at MAC
Some of the accessible features include:
- 10 accessible carparks located close to the main entrance of the Centre.
- No steps to enter or exit the health club, aquatic area and change rooms.
- Mobility scooter and electric wheelchair charging station in the main foyer.
- All meeting rooms for hire are wheelchair accessible.
- MAC welcomes guide dogs and service dogs.
Gym/Health Club accessibility
The gym at MAC has a range of accessible workout equipment consisting of cardio, free weights and functional training equipment.
There are no steps to access the group fitness and workout areas.
Accessible aquatic area and pool facilities
In our aquatic area and pool facilities you will find the following accessible features:
- Aquatic wheelchairs are available for entry to pools (excludes spa).
- Beach entry, via wheelchair, is available for the Leisure/Teaching pool.
- Ramp access is available to the warm water pool, and shallow end of 50 metre pool. There is no ramp access to the deep end of the 50m pool when it is separated into 2 x 25 metre pools by the boom.
- A movable aquatic hoist is available however patrons must supply their own sling.
- The warm water exercise pool depth is 1.1 - 1.3m.
- One accessible changeroom (right-hand layout) by the warm water pool area with a hoist, railing, duress alarms and changing bed.
- One locked MLAK accessible changeroom (left-hand layout) by the warm water pool area with a hoist, railing, duress alarms and changing bed.
- Two family/accessible changerooms by the leisure pool area with duress alarms, railing, shower seat and baby change space.
Right hand accessible changeroom
In our right-hand layout accessible changeroom you will find:
- Automatic push-button system to open and lock the door.
- Hoist - safe working load 275kg, load tested at 200kg.
- Bed - lifting capacity 200kg.
- Shower seat.
- Duress alarm located by the toilet and shower.
Left hand MLAK accessible changeroom
In our left-hand MLAK layout accessible changeroom you will find:
- Room externally locked by MLAK key, with an automatic push button system inside to lock the door and open it when required.
- Hoist - safe working load 204kg, load tested at 200kg.
- Bed - lifting capacity 200kg.
- Shower seat.
- Duress alarm located by the toilet and shower.
What is MLAK?
The Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) system is an initiative supported and partnered by Access Ability Australia. It allows people with disabilities to access certain public facilities that are fitted with an MLAK lock using a single, universal key.
The system was developed to increase the availability of accessible, clean, and secure facilities for people with disabilities.
Why do we have MLAK at MAC?
To improve accessibility and provide a more streamlined experience for all patrons of higher needs who cannot access standard facilities. MAC have one MLAK accessible changeroom.
This helps MAC ensure that:
- People with disabilities or their carers can access the changeroom with a hoist and bed when needed, without requiring staff assistance.
- The changeroom remains secure and well-maintained, with use limited to those who need the specific amenities inside.
- Our centre aligns with best-practice accessibility standards
- By converting one fully accessible room, we still have one other to cater to the broader community and their needs, or a secondary option in case the MLAK room is already utilised by another user.
Who can get a MLAK key?
Eligibility to purchase an MLAK key includes:
- People with disabilities or special needs
- Carers or family members of a person with disability
- Disability or community organisations
- Those otherwise with medical exemption from a doctor.
Does the MLAK key give me access anywhere else?
MLAK systems are used across Australia. The key may enable access to other spaces including
- Council and community facilities
- Train stations and national parks
- Sporting, aquatic & leisure venues and shopping centres
- Liberty Swings and other adaptive recreation spaces.
Can I borrow an MLAK key from MAC on the day?
MAC staff do not have a MLAK to provide access for the community to use the MLAK changeroom. Please ensure that you have your MLAK with you when attending the centre.
What should I do if the MLAK changeroom is already locked and in use by another person?
If the room has a red occupied light lit, please do not attempt to use the room.
We still have availability for the Right Hand accessible change which is unlocked and provides use of a bed and hoist for those who require it.
Otherwise, we have the two family/accessible changerooms in the North Changing area, which offers a larger room with seated showering and railing for people who may not specifically require use of the hoist or bed.
As has been previous practice, patrons may have to wait to use any of our facilities or offerings if occupied. Having an MLAK key does not guarantee the space won’t be used by other eligible users.
Once I am in the changeroom do I still have to lock the door via the button?
Yes, it is very important that when you use the room, you press the lock button once inside and ensure the red light illuminates. This means staff and patrons on the outside know you are in there and won’t attempt to come inside, unless in an emergency.
Other accessible features
Other accessible features at MAC include:
- Access gates are 99cm wide.
- Recharge point for electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters available in the foyer.
- Two accessible/family change rooms in the aquatic area including toilets, showers, and a changing area (all equipped with railings and hoist).
How to get more information
For more information please contact us by phoning 9032 4100 or send us an email to mac@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au.