Aussies urged to help locate out-of-sight outhouses
When you need to go ... Nobodys Toilet on the opal fields of White Cliffs in western NSW. Photo: AAP
They say civilisation can be measured by the distance to the nearest toilet.
Australians are being urged to help show just how far that is.
Community input alone keeps the National Public Toilet Map up to date but thousands are yet to be included across parks, gardens, shopping centres and elsewhere.
The Great Dunny Hunt, which starts on Monday, encourages punters to enter fresh spots via the map’s website and mobile app to ensure those who need to go know where to go.
Users can also input available facilities including baby changing tables, drinking fountains, showers, sharps disposals and ambulant facilities.
The map is far from a novelty – 49 per cent of those surveyed by Continence Health Australia said incontinence had left them reluctant to leave home at all.
It’s a condition that can affect people of all ages but it is more common in older adults, women who have given birth and individuals with certain medical conditions.
In all, more than five million Australians experience bladder or bowel control issues and the number is predicted to grow to 6.5 million by 2030.
The physical and emotional impact can be long-lasting, affecting self-esteem, motivation and independence.
Continence Health Australia chief executive Jim Cooper said thousands of public toilets were not on the map.
“Having an updated and comprehensive map helps those managing continence issues, families with young kids and travellers who may not know the area,” he said.
“We aim to make public spaces more accessible for those with continence issues and the National Public Toilet Map is a step towards a more accessible future for all Australians.”
A further 25 per cent of Australians said they were reluctant to go about daily activities due to incontinence, with 22 per cent admitting it affected relationships with family and friends.
The national map includes 23,000 public and private facilities and gets more than 3.7 million searches annually.
Set up by the federal government and maintained by Continence Health Australia, the National Public Toilet Map has become a crucial resource for those living with incontinence, parents, road-trippers or anyone just plain lost.
Users can register a public rest room via the map’s website or mobile app.
Lifeline 131 114
beyondblue 1300 224 636
-AAP
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