Tourist town’s goal to become first ‘sensory inclusive’ destination

Tourist town’s goal to become first ‘sensory inclusive’ destination

Phillip Island is set to become the first tourist town in Australia to officially become ‘sensory inclusive’ with dozens of businesses trained in identifying sensory overload and making shops, attractions and restaurants a safe space for people suffering from conditions like autism, stroke, dementia and PTSD.
Phillip Island Nature Parks’ world-famous tourism attractions became the first nature experience in Australia to be officially certified as sensory inclusive last year, and now Nature Parks has taken the initiative to businesses and tourism operators around Phillip Island.
A Sensory Night will be held at the Penguin Parade on 30 April, with capacity more than halved to 1000, designated quiet areas and headphone zones and sensory bags available to hire filled with items such as noise cancelling headphones, fidget tools and verbal cue cards available for those who
may experience sensory overload while visiting.
Nature Parks has partnered with global organisation KultureCity to provide a sensory inclusive environment for people with sensory processing challenges, often experienced by individuals with autism, brain injuries, anxiety and other similar conditions.
The specialised training has now been provided to dozens of businesses on Phillip Island, with the aim to train 50 businesses and become the first tourist town in Australia with ‘sensory inclusive’ status.
Bass Coast Shire Council, Wild Coast Cruises, Ripples & Tonic and Phillip Island Helicopters are just some of the businesses and organisations that have jumped on board the initiative.
Nature Parks General Manager of Tourism Operations Peta Wittig said small things can make a big difference to someone who suffers from sensory overload.
“For people who have sensory issues, simply knowing that there are people nearby who understand and can help them if they become overwhelmed has a significant impact on their wellbeing and confidence,” she said.
“This might mean dimming the lights in a shop, turning down music or interactive displays, or avoiding loud noises like grinding coffee machines at certain times of the day. It can be as simple as providing paper towel in bathrooms so they can avoid the noise of a hand dryer.”
The Penguin Parade, Churchill Island, Antarctic Journey at the Nobbies, and the Koala Conservation Reserve are the first tourist attractions in Australia to be officially certified as sensory inclusive by KultureCity, and is the latest step in the Nature Parks’ longstanding efforts to become more
accessible and inclusive to all visitors.
“This is as much about educating people in our community that not all accessibility needs are visible, and inclusion can have many forms. Everyone is different, and their needs are too,” Ms Wittig said.
Champion Australian netballer and KultureCity ambassador Renea Ingles said: “We are thrilled that businesses, and venues across Phillip Island have been so committed to becoming sensory inclusive. They are leading the way in Australia and it’s exciting for families like mine. They are making the island a fun, and accessible place for all to enjoy.”
Emmit Cavanagh, 13 has Autism Spectrum Disorder. He lives on Phillip Island, but didn’t visit the Penguin Parade until last year because it was too noisy for him.

Mum, Jane, says the family avoided going to attractions like the Penguin Parade in case Emmit felt uncomfortable and upset.
“Emmit can struggle with big crowds and loud noises – the crashing of the waves could be an overload if he was already struggling,” Ms Cavanagh said.
“Although we didn’t end up needing the sensory bag on the night, it was a good safety net knowing it was there. We could also get Emmit familiar with the Parade through the online portal, so he knew what to expect when we got there.”
“We had often avoided going to new places because we didn’t know how Emmit would react, but initiatives like this make us feel more comfortable, especially knowing that staff understand sensory overload and are trained to look for signs people are feeling uncomfortable.”
To assist guests to prepare for their visit, a range of social stories and sensory features are available on the Nature Parks website and free KultureCity app, providing a preview of what visitors can expect at all locations.

Find out more here.