Sensory Zone
CATS CONNECT
Focus areas: Accessibility, community equity and connection
The Geelong Cats and Kardinia Park Stadium Trust partnered with US not-for-profit organisation Kulture City to become Australia’s first accredited sensory inclusive stadium. Our goal is to provide an inclusive experience for each guest to GMHBA Stadium and strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing challenges. We have a Sensory Room and a Multi-Sensory Room available each match day, as well as Sensory Bags and weighted lap mats available around the ground. More than 500 staff have received specialised sensory training to assist with guest experience.
Ambassadors: Gary Rohan, Georgie Rankin
The Sensory Zone was made possible through a partnership between the Geelong Cats, Deakin University, Leisure Networks, Gateways Support Services, the NDIS and Kardinia Park Stadium Trust
Click here for a virtual tour of the sensory zone.
Sensory Sensitivity
Our objective is to provide an inclusive experience for every guest. We strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing challenges by supplying our staff, customer service and security members with training and by offering the resources and accommodations below to our guests.
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, Kane Constructions and Populus for their support.
Sensory Backpacks
Sensory backpacks* containing fidget toys, noise-cancelling headphones and other resources, are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) at our Welcome desk (ground floor, Brownlow Stand) and Deakin Cats Community Centre (ground level, Players Stand).
Sensory Room
Our designated Sensory Room in the Deakin Cats Community Centre (Ground floor, Players Stand). This includes a small multi-sensory room, within a larger quiet space. Guests utilising the Sensory Room are required to have an adult carer accompanying them at all times. Please reach out to our customer service team if you require assistance locating this room.
Click here to view a map of GMHBA Stadium (pdf)
Social Story
Geelong Cats and Kardinia Park Stadium Trust have developed a social story with professional support from Deakin University, which aims to show guests what they may see and experience during a Cats home game. The social story has photographs and simple text and is read or shared with guests prior to attending. Many people find social stories can help prepare them and feel more comfortable about what they may experience throughout the day.
The story has photographs to show children what they'll encounter during a visit to GMHBA Stadium. The story can be download as a Word document to view on a computer or print out. You can also cut and paste the stories to create a story that best suits your child.
Download the "Going to GMHBA Stadium Social Story" here (.doc)
Click here for accessibility and Sensory Zone FAQs.
For further information, please contact: community@geelongcats.com.au
