DEECA building accessibility

There is one designated accessible parking space located directly in front of the DEECA entrance on Doveton Street North.
The side entrance is fully accessible, featuring a wide, flat pavement with no steps and 2 automatic doors.
Entry to the building is through 2 automatic glass doors positioned approximately 1.5 meters apart, both clearly marked with safety signage.
A large entry mat is placed inside the entrance to reduce the risk of slipping, particularly in wet conditions.
The entire entry area is fitted with non-slip tiles to enhance safety.
A public transport bus stop servicing routes 12 and 30 is conveniently located directly outside the Doveton Street entrance.

Reception is accessed through a single glass automatic door, which is usually left open during office hours.
During off-peak times, staff can access the reception using a swipe card. The entrance is wheelchair accessible.
Signs and plaques displaying each department are mounted on the entrance glass, with braille versions available.
The area features high ceilings and consistent lighting.
A TV is mounted from the ceiling.
Space within the reception area is limited, which may make it difficult for a person using a wheelchair to maneuver or turn easily when exiting.
All guests and visitors must sign in upon arrival. A QR code for sign-in is available on the top counter and is accessible to wheelchair users. Assistance is available upon request.
If reception is unattended, a bell is located on the counter for visitors to ring.
Brochures and information leaflets from the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action are available on a desk to the right of the reception counter, with 2 chairs positioned underneath.
A glass partition separates the reception area from the reception staff.
A defibrillator, first aid kit, and emergency AED are housed in a sealed cabinet.

Lift / stairs

The area features consistent lighting and a staircase leading to Level 1.
An elevator is located behind the staircase for alternative access.
A fire door at the rear provides access to the stairwell and leads to the underground car park, with concrete steps and flooring.
The hallway is fitted with non-slip tiles for added safety.
A new lift has recently been installed.
Lighting is provided by ceiling-mounted strobe lights.
The flooring throughout the area is tiled, with carpeted stairs for added safety and comfort.
A wall-mounted hand sanitiser dispenser is located at a low height next to the accessible toilet.
The lift buttons are positioned at an accessible height and include braille for vision-impaired users.
The lift entrance doors are 90 cm wide, and the internal dimensions are 190 cm by 140 cm.
The lift features an audible voice system that announces the floor the user is exiting on.
Inside the lift, the floor is covered with carpet tiles, while the lift entrance has a non-slip surface for added safety.
A low-level handrail is installed along the interior wall of the lift for additional support.

An accessible toilet is located on the right and does not require swipe card access. A sign on the door reads 'Unisex Toilet LH + Baby Change' with braille signage also provided.
Inside, an accessible sink with a flip tap is positioned on the right, and a baby change table is located on the left. A grab bar is installed beside the accessible toilet for support.
A hand towel dispenser is wall-mounted at an accessible height. The floor is fitted with non-slip tiles for safety.
The accessible toilet features a standard door with a lever handle, making it easy to open.
The baby change table is situated on the right-hand side upon entering the accessible toilet.
The entrance to the female toilets is on the right-hand side. Approximately 1.5 metres beyond the entrance, a second door provides access to the female cubicles. The flooring is tiled throughout.
The entrance to the male toilets is located on the left-hand side. Another door, 1.5 metres inside, leads to the male cubicles. The flooring is also tiled.

A changing place is available across the road at Ballarat Library. An MLAK key is required. A spare key is available at the library reception.
There is also an accessible shower.

In the event of an emergency, an alarm will sound and instructions for evacuation will be given. Evacuation maps are displayed throughout the building to assist with safe exit routes.
Fire wardens and first aid trained staff are on site at all times to guide and assist during an evacuation.
They will provide support to those who need assistance and direct everyone to the nearest exit and designated assembly point.

Evacuation plan map

Assistance animals are welcome. All assistance animals must be properly restrained. Please bring a portable drinking bowl. Staff will guide you on where this can be filled and where assistance animals can take a toilet break.
The closest safe greenspace at is the front right-hand side of the venue (402 Mair St, Ballarat). There is a large landscaped grassed area that is open to the public and is accessed via the footpath.
There are no extra accommodations for assistance animals. If you need support, please inform a staff member or make contact prior to attending:
- T: 03 5336 6856 | E: Ballarat.rooms@deeca.vic.gov.au open hours 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
There are 2 visible signs in the entrance of the building to show assistance dogs welcome.
We have large screens in all meeting rooms to improve visibility, if required.
All meeting rooms have internet capability with external speakers (volume can be adjusted according to user needs).
Level 3 and 4 have recently been upgraded to include braille on the entrance doors. Entrance doors are now touch free and automatic.
We can hire out priority seating on Level 1, please notify us via email at Ballarat.rooms@deeca.vic.gov.au beforehand.
Our staff are happy to assist with access solutions via email or telephone 03 5336 6856.