Adelaide Oval has today officially unveiled a new Guest Services area ahead of this week’s NRMA Insurance Men’s Day-Night Test between Australia and India, making the stadium more accessible and inclusive than ever before.
Located just inside the East Gate, the newly renovated section of the stadium includes a dedicated sensory space, Changing Places bathroom for high needs individuals and multi faith room with foot washing facilities.
The $500,000 construction project reflects Adelaide Oval’s ongoing commitment to enhance accessibility and inclusivity across the venue and has been supported by a number of State Government grants.
An expert project team was employed to complete construction, including Metron Design, Mott MacDonald and Cox Architecture, with sensory space fitout by Link Assistive and guidance from those with lived experience, notably the Shipway family.
The Changing Places bathroom was installed thanks to more than $130,000 in grant funding from the Department of Human Services and enables people with high support needs to access adjustable and accessible toilet facilities, as well as a shower and adult changing space.
The new permanent sensory space has been thoughtfully designed to provide a calm and soothing environment with sensory activities and quiet zones, allowing fans with sensory sensitivities to spend time away from the stimulation of a major event or game day. People of all ages who have hidden disabilities such as autism, anxiety, mental health conditions, dementia, visual impairment and deaf or hearing impaired are welcome in the space.
Adelaide Oval has also upskilled its staff to support the operation of the sensory space, particularly on major game and event days, with specialised Hidden Disabilities training and equipment for key personnel made possible by a $37,729 Autism Works grant. The Department has also provided valuable connections and resources to assist in the transformation and operation of the space, including with Novita who will assist in managing the space on event days.
The sensory space will be a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network and can be located by following the sunflower decals on the floor of the stadium or by following the directions of Adelaide Oval staff and the dedicated Sunflower team.
A dedicated multi faith room has also been added, allowing fans of all backgrounds to practice their faith in peace. This spacious, quiet room is complemented by a specially designed ‘Wudu Room’ with a foot wash facility.
These spaces are available to guests throughout the year – no matter their reason for visiting – commencing with this week’s Day-Night Test Match.
Quotes attributable to Adelaide Oval CEO, Nick Addison:
We’ve always said that Adelaide Oval is a place for everyone – but for that to remain true, we need to continually reinvest in making this venue as accessible, welcoming and inclusive as possible.
Importantly, that means investing not just in our facilities but in our people. Specialised training and upskilling means that our team is prepared to welcome diverse guests and ensure these spaces are available to all those who need them.
The support of the State Government has been integral to this project – not just the grant funding we have received but the passion, expertise and partnerships they have shared.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Autism, Emily Bourke:
We are investing in inclusion and delivering on much needed change.
A major focus for our State’s Autism Strategy is to improve accessibility for Autistic people – making it more possible for them to comfortably attend their favourite events with friends, family or to head along to get behind their favourite team or band.
The other exciting part of this initiative is Adelaide Oval staff received specific training from the Office for Autism, to build knowledge and understanding. Without knowledge we cannot create belonging, and this is another project proudly backed by the State Government to do just that.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Human Services, Nat Cook:
Everyone has the right to be able to attend venues and events with dignity and confidence.
Continuing to improve our state’s accessibility and inclusion is one of my key priorities as Minister. In my role, I’ve met lots of people with disability who just want the basic facilities to be able to meaningfully participate in their communities.
The launch of this new Changing Place at Adelaide Oval means that people with disability and their carers now have access to appropriate toileting facilities – and just in time for the Test Cricket!
I am really proud of our government’s investment in building up a network of Changing Places across the state, that makes South Australia more accessible and inclusive for people with disability, their families and carers.
