For 90 minutes at this year’s Thirlmere Festival of Steam there will be no PA announcements, no flashing lights or music on rides and there will be a quiet tent with sensory activities.
Wollondilly Shire Council has announced that a sensory friendly session will be part of the 2023 festival from 10.30am to 12 noon on Saturday, March 18.
Food and sideshow games will be available to purchase during the session.
“We want to make sure that the Festival of Steam can be accessed and enjoyed by everyone in our community,” says Mayor Matt Gould.
“Last year council endorsed the disability inclusion action plan to ensure ongoing support for people living with disability and their carers to be involved fully in community life and increase opportunities for social connection through accessible events.
“Providing sensory sessions at council events is just one of the actions that we are implementing as part of the disability inclusion action plan.’’
Council says all efforts will be made to ensure noise is kept to a minimum during the sensory friendly session on Saturday, however, steam trains may be heard in the distance.
Music, lights and noise at the carnival will recommence at midday.
In addition to the Saturday session, there will also be a sensory friendly tent during the main festival activities on Sunday, March 19 from 9am to 4pm.
The tent, provided by the team at Mess it Up, will be situated in the nearby Thirlmere Memorial Park and will include access to sensory activities and products, with a quieter space to sit and relax with supportive staff.
Accessible parking on Sunday will be made available in Mason Street, Thirlmere.
The accessible park pass will need to be visible for road closure staff to provide access.
Tickets to the sensory friendly session on Saturday, March 18 are essential as there is a limit on how many people can attend. Click on the link to register https://www.thirlmerefestivalofsteam.com.au/aboutus/saturday-18-march/
For more information contact council on 4677 1100.
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Click on the bit (top left) that says Steam festival, etc