Accessibility and inclusion to activities such as events, festivals and concerts is not a straightforward topic for the one in six people (18%) in Australia living with a disability1. Sadly, among people with disability aged 15 and over, nearly one third (32%) are not satisfied with their community and have feelings of not belonging, with people with disability being twice as likely (19%) to experience social isolation2.
To combat this issue, disability advocacy group Spinal Life Australia and Queensland Music Festival (QMF), are reuniting for this year’s Sweet Relief event, ensuring that accessibility and inclusion remain at the forefront of the festival experience.
Scheduled for Saturday 7 September 2024, Sweet Relief 2024 promises an unforgettable day of music and community spirit, with new and enhanced accessible features to create a welcoming environment for all attendees.
Bevan Kearsley, a former carpenter who sustained paraplegia in an accident over 30 years ago and now serves as the Access and Advocacy Officer at Spinal Life Australia, is enthusiastic about the ongoing progress in making events like Sweet Relief more inclusive. This collaboration between Spinal Life Australia and QMF highlights the importance of creating environments that are accessible to all, setting a precedent for how public events should be designed.
“We’re proud to be working with QMF again this year to produce an inclusive environment for all. Sweet Relief is more than just a music event – it’s a beacon of progress for accessibility and inclusion. By introducing these innovative features, we are not only making the arts more accessible but also leading a broader movement that encourages other organisations to follow suit,” says Bevan, underscoring the impact of embracing inclusivity on the lives of individuals with disabilities and the broader community.
Building on the success of previous years, Sweet Relief 2024 is taking crucial steps to reduce barriers and foster a sense of belonging by introducing several groundbreaking accessibility initiatives aimed at making the event more inclusive than ever.
Among the key additions are:
- Silent Disco: A Queensland-first tactile sensory experience designed for neurodiverse and audio-sensitive audiences, allowing everyone to engage with the music in a way that suits their needs.
- Crowd Care (Red Frogs): Enhanced patron support, including hydration stations, chill-out areas, and first-response teams, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all attendees throughout the day.
- Accessible Viewing Platforms: Positioned front-and-centre, these platforms offer prime visibility, guaranteeing that all attendees, regardless of their accessibility needs, can enjoy the performances.
- AUSLAN Interpreters: On-stage interpreters will ensure individuals with hearing impairments can fully immerse themselves in the music, with fixed cameras providing clear views of the interpretations.
- Accessible Concierge: A dedicated concierge service at the front gate will assist attendees with accessibility needs, guiding them through the site and ensuring they have a seamless experience.
QMF CEO, Daryl Raven, shared his excitement about the ongoing collaboration and the positive impact of these initiatives.
“We’re very proud and excited for Sweet Relief to represent another major step forward in creating exceptional audience experiences for everybody. QMF remains committed to diversifying our audience and artist mix and extending these initiatives across all QLD Music Trails events once again this year,” says Daryl.
The continued partnership between Spinal Life Australia and QMF highlights the positive impact that collaboration can have in fostering inclusivity. As Queensland continues to enhance its arts and music scene, Sweet Relief showcases the potential of prioritising accessibility. It’s an inspiring reminder for other organisations to embrace this approach, helping to ensure that people living with disabilities feel included and valued in all aspects of society.
For more information on Sweet Relief 2024 and to secure your tickets, visit QMF’s website. For more about Spinal Life Australia and their ongoing work in the accessibility space, visit Spinal Life Australia.