The Geelong Cats and Kardinia Park Stadium Trust have partnered with US not for profit organisation, Kulture City, to become Australia’s first accredited sensory stadium.
Our goal is to provide an inclusive experience for each guest to the Stadium and strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing challenges.
The Sensory Zone ensures that everyone who experiences sensory processing difficulties is welcomed to GMHBA Stadium and offer the following recourses to our guests.
Sensory Backpacks
Sensory backpacks containing fidget toys, noise cancelling headphones and other resources are available for checkout at our Welcome Desk (ground floor, Brownlow Stand), St Johns Ambulance (Ford Stand) and Deakin Cats Community Centre (ground level, Players Stand).
We have 40 backpacks available and they are hired out at no cost however you will need to leave a form of ID at checkout. Backpacks are to be returned on the day of hire at the collection point they were hired from
Sensory Room
For rounds two and four, we have a quiet space located in the Deakin Cats Community Centre (ground floor, Players Stand). From round six, in addition to the quiet space, we will have our multi-sensory room open. Guests utilising the Sensory Room are required to have an adult carer accompanying them. Match day staff are there to help you locate the room.
Orientation
The Quiet room and Multi-sensory Room will be available for families in the lead up to each game from 4pm-5pm for an orientation opportunity. No bookings required, entry is through the Doug Wade Gate. Orientation dates below;
Thursday 28 March
Thursday 11 April
Tuesday 23 April
Thursday 16 May
Thursday 30 May
Thursday 27 June
Thursday 11 July
Thursday 8 August
Thursday 22 August
We thank our collaborating partners: Leisure Networks, Deakin University, BCYF, Barwon Paediatric Services, Kane Constructions, Latrobe Community Health Service, NDIS, G21, Gateways Support Services, Armstrong Creek School, Diversitat, Early Childhood Early Intervention Working Group, City of Greater Geelong and the Percy Baxter Charitable Trust managed by Perpetual. We also thank Untapped for their support.
