Whitlam Institute
Overview
The Whitlam Institute within Western Sydney University is situated in the Female Orphan School on the Parramatta South Campus. The building predates the Hyde Park Barracks and is Australia’s oldest three-story building. Guided tours of the building are available.
Visitors can also explore objects from the Whitlam Prime Ministerial Collection on display in the A Changing Australia exhibition, as well as an impressive annual line-up of art and social history exhibitions in the Margaret Whitlam Galleries.
The building’s restoration and adaptive reuse mean that it is a truly fascinating place to take the time to explore, with evidence throughout of its complex institutional history.
Accessibility
Actively welcomes people with access needs.
Advise tour guides of the access needs of guests at the time of booking (includes pick up and drop off requirements)
Caters for people who use a wheelchair.
Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
Have a doorbell or intercom at an accessible height and display a contact number (accessible height is 900mm-1100 mm)
Have a step free main entrance to the building and/or reception area (includes ramps or slopes with a maximum gradient of 1:14, otherwise are too steep for wheelchairs)
Have at least one wheelchair accessible parking space with wheelchair accessible signage clearly displayed (International standards are 3200mm wide x 2500 mm high)
Have grab rails in the bathroom
Have lifts with enough space for people using a mobility aid to enter and turn around to use the lift buttons. Buttons are at accessible height.
Have step free access to the conference or function room
Have step free outdoor pathways (includes picnic areas, barbecues and shelters)
Offer multiple options for booking - web, email, phone
Provide seating in common areas including reception area
