Melbourne & Olympic Parks (M&OP) has partnered with leading not-for-profit KultureCity to ensure all events held at the precinct are sensory-inclusive.

With training for customer-facing staff, sensory kits available at events and a new dedicated sensory space at John Cain Arena, the certification will promote inclusive and positive experiences for all guests who attend the precinct. 

One in six individuals experiences sensory sensitives or challenges, which can be a barrier to attending live events. With its new certification, M&OP will be better equipped to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having a comfortable and enjoyable experience when attending events at the precinct.  

To support the partnership, a dedicated sensory space was recently unveiled at John Cain Arena.

Renae and Joe Ingles, KultureCity board members with a strong connection to John Cain Arena through their professional sports careers – with the Melbourne Vixens and Melbourne South Dragons respectively – generously contributed to the upgrade of the sensory space, which provides a quiet and safe space for people to deregulate from sensory overload.

Staff in customer-facing roles will receive training in how to recognise guests with sensory needs and handle a sensory overload situation, while sensory bags, equipped with noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads will be available to guests in all M&OP venues from early 2023.

M&OP venues will also appear on the KultureCity app, where guests can review the sensory features available to them, and get a better understanding of what to expect before attending an event at the precinct.  

The partnership reflects M&OP’s commitment to ensuring inclusive and enjoyable experiences at the precinct – every person, every event, every time.