Accessibility
Accessibility at GMHBA Stadium
We want every patron to have an enhanced, unforgettable experience at our stadium. We are committed to ensuring access to the stadium and movement within it is as smooth as possible for all community members.
Continual improvement of our stadium’s accessibility offerings is a key focus of the Trust’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. If you don’t see what you’re after in the below list and wish to discuss your specific access requirements with us – please don’t hesitate to reach out via the contact form below or via phone. We look forward to welcoming you home to GMHBA stadium.
Accessible parking 
Major Event days, Accessible Parking located in the B6 parking zone (Enter via Latrobe Terrace). Note: Sealed roadway and formal parking bays.
Please note:
– Accessible parking is available on a first in basis.
– Patrons must display their Accessible Parking sticker to access these areas.
– Overflow Accessible Parking in C7 parking zone (Enter via Park Cres). Note: Unsealed surface and informal parking bays.
Non Major Event days
Dedicated accessible parking bays are located at:
– A3 car park directly out the front of the Premiership Stand. Enter via Latrobe Tce or Kilgour St.
– Park Crescent directly in front of Kardinia Aquatic Centre.
– E9 car park directly behind the Barwon Region Cricket Centre. Enter via Moorabool Street North bound lane only.
Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs are permitted entry into the venue – please ensure they are wearing their specific uniform so they can be easily identified.
Braille signage
Braille signage is displayed on elevators, function rooms and rest rooms within the Brownlow, Premiership and Joel Selwood Stands.
Disabled and carer/companion seating
ACCESSIBLE SEATING
Accessible and companion seating is located in the following sections:
Reg Hickey Stand
Located on Level A accessed via Gate 5 and take south ramp. Access can also be granted via the Sports House Lift Registry: contact enquiries@kardiniapark.vic.gov.au directly for more information and to register.
Premiership Stand
Located on Level A. Enter via Gate 5, Gate 8 or Gate 13 and take the lift(s) to level A
Players Stand
Located on Level A. Enter via Gate 5 or Gate 8 and take the lift(s) to level 1.
Brownlow Stand
Located on Level A. Enter via Gate 13 and take the lift to Level A.
Joel Selwood Stand
Located on Level A, and Level C. Enter via Gate 1 or Gate 13 and take the lift(s) to level A. or C
First Aid Stations
A First aid station can be found at the back of Players Stand (Ground Level) and Joel Selwood Stand (Ground Level).
Hearing Loops
Hearing loops are available in the Presidents Room, Deakin Cats Community Centre (DCCC), Fred Flanagan Room and Geelong Sports Museum.
Mobility Aids and Prams
Mobility aids and prams are permitted into venue if they are able to be stowed safely under your seat. They cannot be parked in a walkway or block patron access to exits.
Parents Rooms
A Parents’ Room is located on Level A Joel Selwood Stand, near Bay A37.
Accessible toilets are located throughout the entire venue and all feature a baby change table.
Breastfeeding is welcome throughout the venue.
Toilets
All men’s and women’s toilets in Players, Premiership, Brownlow and Joel Selwood Stands have ambulant cubicles.
There are also a number of dedicated disabled toilets located throughout the venue. All disabled toilets in the venue are unisex and also feature a baby change table.
A Changing Places Facility is also available in Brownlow Stand Level A, near Bay A36 and Joel Selwood Stand Ground Level.
The Geelong Sports Museum toilets are also all-gender toilets.
Venue Access and Mobility Services
A dedicated accessible entry lane is available at Gate 1 and Gate 13 catering to people of all needs including those with hidden disabilities. See Hidden Disability Sunflower.
Gates 5 and 8 provide a combined accessible lane and express entry lane.
For assistance, or to navigate the best path of travel, please don’t hesitate to ask any of our friendly staff or contact us prior to discuss your access requirements.
For any additional needs assistance on the day of the event, please contact the Inclusion Officer (identified in blue cap) or call 0439 305 980 to speak with the officer directly.
Water Fountains
There are multiple water fountains/bottle refill stations located throughout the venue that are also wheelchair accessible.
CHANGING PLACES
Our stadium features two Changing Places facilities. Changing Places is an accessible toilet for people with a disability requiring a hoist. It is accessed with an MLAK key. Patrons will have their own key, or one is available via the Inclusion Officer. Changing Places facilities are located in Aisle 36 of the Level A Brownlow Stand and Ground Level of the Joel Selwood Stand.
The Kardinia Park Stadium Trust and Geelong Cats work in partnership to create positive experiences for all guests with sensory needs and hidden disabilities or conditions.
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 and hidden disabilities by partnering with KultureCity and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.
These global networks and programs enable us to provide awareness training to our staff and offer the following resources and accommodations to our guests.
Interactive tour
What is the Sensory Zone
The Sensory Zone is the name of the holistic project behind our Sensory Inclusive Stadium accreditation in partnership with Kulture City, Kardinia Park Stadium Trust and the Geelong Football Club. It includes the provision of a Sensory Room, Sensory Bags, Weighted Lap Mats, Social Stories and Staff Training to ensure inclusive, equitable and outstanding customer experiences.
What are some groups that are affected by sensory need/sensory processing challenges?
Sensory sensitivities are not isolated to people with autism. Up to 1 in 5 people can experience sensitivities including people with Downs Syndrome, people with PTSD, adults with dementia, Parkinson’s disease, anxiety sufferers and stroke patients just to name a few.
Where is the Sensory Zone located?
The Sensory Room is located in the Deakin Cats Community Centre on the Ground Level concourse at the back of the Players Stand – inside Gate 8 (Doug Wade Gate).
If you are unsure how to access the room please see a staff member for assistance.
Do I need to be a club member to access the Sensory Inclusive or Hidden Disability Sunflower programs?
No you do not need to be a member. These resources are available to each person visiting the stadium
Do I need to pay to access the Sensory Inclusive or Hidden Disability Sunflower programs?
All resources are free of any charge.
Do I need a reservation before using the Sensory Room?
No reservation is required however, please be mindful that at busy times there may be multiple users of the space.
Do I need to sign up when I enter the Sensory Room?
Basic information such as name, number of people in your group is gathered at the Sensory Zone to assist with emergency management procedures. In the interests of continual improvement, it is also optional to provide an email address and participate in a survey about your experience at the stadium.
Is there any bathroom nearby the Sensory Room?
Yes, there are facilities located on the Ground Level of Players Stand.
Specialised Customer Service Assistance
During the event a dedicated Inclusion Officer is available to help you navigate the stadium and provide assistance to make sure you have the very best experience. Don’t hesitate to contact the Inclusion Officer directly throughout the event on 0439 305 980.
Can I take my own food and drink into the Sensory Room?
Water is most welcome, but it is a food-free zone.
Is supervision required?
Yes, parental/guardian/carer supervision is required at all times. This is a requirement of utilising the room.
Sensory Bags
Sensory bags containing fidget toys, noise cancelling headphones, anti-glare sunglasses and other resources, are available to borrow on Event days. These are available at no cost.
Sensory bags and lap mats are available to borrow from the Sensory Room, First Aid Rooms or via the Inclusion Officer. For all other areas, please see your friendly staff member for assistance.
How do I return the sensory bag?
Sensory bags are to be returned to the same collection point on the same day as the event.
What are the main items that are included in the Sensory Back Bags?
- Glare free sunglasses
- Fidget tools
- Noise cancelling headphones
- Communication card
- Stadium Map
Social Story
Kardinia Park Stadium Trust and the Geelong Cats have developed social stories with support from Deakin University, which aim to show guests what they may see and experience during an event at GMHBA stadium. The social stories have photographs and simple text to be 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.
These are available below for download in Word for ease of personalisation.
Where can I download a Social Story?
Who is Kulture City?
KultureCity is a leading non-profit recognized worldwide for using their resources to revolutionize and effect change in the community for those with sensory needs; not just those with Autism.
Since the program’s inception, KultureCity has created over 550sensory inclusive venues in the USA and beyond; this includes special events such as: NFL Pro-Bowl, NFL Super Bowl, MLB All Star Weekend. KultureCity has won many awards for its efforts: NASCAR Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award in 2017, Cleveland Cavaliers’ Quiet Space Sensory Room at Quicken Loans Arena was a finalist for the 2018 Stadium Business Award, and the 2018 Clio Sports Silver for social good in partnership with Cleveland Cavaliers/Quicken Loans Arena.KultureCity was also awarded one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2019 by FastCompany.
Who are our collaborating partners
We thank our collaborating partners: Geelong Cats, Leisure Networks, Deakin University, BCYF, Barwon Paediatric Services, Kane Constructions, La Trobe Community Health Service, NDIS, G21, Gateways Support Services, Armstrong Creek School, Diversitat, Early Childhood Early Intervention Working Group, Untapped, Kane Constructions and City of Greater Geelong and the Percy Baxter Charitable Trust managed by Perpetual.
