Kardinia Park Stadium Trust and Geelong FC partner to offer sensory inclusive experience

Geelong Cats match days and major events produced by the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust at GMHBA Stadium are to be accredited as sensory inclusive.

While attending a sporting event such as an AFL match is an exciting experience for most, for some people with sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation - such as those with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions - attending such events can be loud and crowded.

Commenting on this, a Trust spokesperson advised "attending events like this can be overwhelming and this is why it can sometimes be easier for parents and carers to avoid these places altogether."

Recognising this, the Trust has partnered with US non-profit KultureCity to become an accredited 'Sensory Inclusive Stadium' to create an inclusive experience for every guest, with the spokesperson adding "(this will) improve our ability to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when attending any event.

"Fans will have the use of a dedicated Sensory Room including a quiet space and a multi-sensory room with equipment donated by BCYF and Percy Baxter Perpetual Trust.

"The Sensory Zone has a small sensory room within a larger quiet space and is designed to enable guests to feel comfortable and in control during their time at GMHBA Stadium."

The sensory space has been trialled over the first two AFL match days at GMHBA Stadium this season, with over 20 families utilising the space.

Guests are welcome to visit the room before, during or after the game.

As part of the Sensory Inclusive initiative, Sensory Backpacks will be available to borrow on event days. The backpacks include fidget toys, noise-cancelling headphones as well as a number of other resources, and are available for checkout at no cost by leaving an ID at the following places:

• Geelong Cats Welcome Desk (ground level, Brownlow Stand)
• Deakin Cats Community Centre (Gate 8)
• St Johns First Aid Room (ground level, Ford Stand)

The Sensory Inclusive initiative has been nearly two years in the making and has involved a large number of community groups to become a reality, including: Deakin University, Barwon Child Youth and Family (BCYF), Barwon Paediatric Services, Leisure Networks, Gateways Support Services, NDIS, Latrobe Community Health, G21, City of Greater Geelong, Armstrong Creek School, Diversitat and Hope Bereavement Services. Kane Constructions undertook the building works free of charge and BCYF donated close to $100,000 in equipment.

Images: The dedicated Sensory Room at GMHBA Stadium (top) and the venue from the air (below).