Wednesday, November 6, 2024

School holidays see the start of the 2024 Great Dunny Hunt: Continence Foundation of Australia

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Calling all Australians to add new details on public toilets to the National Public Toilet Map.

Continence Foundation of Australia, Media Release, 2 April 2024

The much-loved Great Dunny Hunt is back and better than ever with the Continence Foundation of Australia calling all Australians to update the National Public Toilet Map website or app with new public toilet facility details they discover while out and about these school holidays.

With this year’s hunt running from Friday 29 March to Sunday 16 June, the start of World Continence Week, holiday goers can update public toilet details including adding photos of public restrooms or adding details of what amenities they have as well as their access hours.

With over five million Australians living with incontinence right now and with this number expected to grow to 6.5 million by 2030, it is more important than ever that information on public toilet facilities is kept up-to-date and relevant so that those affected by incontinence are confident and feel safe to go about their daily activities which most of the public take for granted.

Dunny hunters can upload their submissions to the National Public Toilet Map, and can update and add information on:

  • Adult change facilities (including shower, BYO sling)
  • Baby change
  • Dump point (including wash out water, afterhours access)
  • Ambulant facilities
  • Drinking water
  • Sharps disposal
  • Showers
  • Sanitary, incontinence product disposal
  • Right and/or left transfer – important for those with one side of the body less able
  • Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) The Master Locksmiths Access
  • Male, Female, All gender

With many Australians planning to travel this upcoming Easter and school holidays, joining the Great Dunny Hunt will make a huge difference to those living with incontinence.

A recent survey of those living with incontinence discovered 49 per cent of respondents currently don’t feel comfortable embarking on long trips without knowing where the first toilet stop will be.

While knowing the proximity and accessibility of public toilets may not seem significant, for Australians surveyed:

  • 42 per cent said incontinence has caused a reluctance to leave home.
  • 25 per cent are reluctant to go about daily activities.
  • 22 per cent say incontinence has affected their relationships with family or friends.

With over 23,000 public restrooms now listed on the National Public Toilet Map thanks to the efforts of previous Dunny Hunts, those updating details on the map are encouraged to fill out a short survey on how they use the map to make sure the valuable resource continues to support all Australians.

By completing the survey, respondents can go in the running to win one of three $500 EFTPOS vouchers.

Paula Hay, Acting CEO of the Continence Foundation of Australia, said “we’re inviting Australians to help find new ways to improve the National Public Toilet Map, developing a critical resource for many who experience incontinence. We are very excited to find out how we can continue to provide greater support for the one in four Australians impacted by incontinence.”

Visit www.continence.org.au/great-dunny-hunt and www.toiletmap.gov.au for more information.

How to enter:

  • Visit the National Public Toilet Map website (www.toiletmap.gov.au) or download the App available on Google Play or the App Store
  • Log in (or register) to update a toilet facility
  • Fill out the short, four question survey when prompted
  • At the end of the survey, select ‘Yes, I would like to enter the Great Dunny Hunt’ and enter your email address to go into the running

About the Continence Foundation of Australia

The Continence Foundation of Australia is a not-for-profit organisation and the national peak body promoting bladder and bowel control health, incontinence prevention, management, education, awareness, information and advocacy.

With representation in each state and territory, the Foundation provides information, support and resources for individuals, carers and professionals. www.continence.org.au

About incontinence

  • Over five million Australians are affected by incontinence
  • The majority of people affected by incontinence can be treated, better managed or even cured
  • In 2010, the total economic cost of incontinence was estimated to be $66.7 billion and rising
  • People should seek help:
  1. Ask your GP
  2. Call the National Continence Helpline FREE 1800 33 00 66
  3. Visit continence.org.au

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