Taste summer event offers access to all

Published on 03 December 2021

HOBART’S major waterfront event this summer will be accessible for all, with extra steps being taken to ensure an inclusive event.

City of Hobart officers have been working with the Taste of Summer organisers to make the upcoming waterfront food and drink festival as accessible and inclusive as possible.

“We want the Taste of Summer to be something that everyone – of any ability – can enjoy and feel a part of,” Taste of Hobart Chair Jarrod Nation said.

“This event is focused as much on Tasmanian people as it is on Tasmanian produce and it’s important to us that it represents our community to the fullest.”

City of Hobart staff, in partnership with the Access Advisory Committee, have provided Taste of Summer organisers and stallholders with information to help them to better understand the needs of people of diverse abilities.

“There are many ways that events can be made more inclusive for our community,” City of Hobart’s Community, Culture and Events Committee Chair Dr Zelinda Sherlock said. 

“There’s a lot of things that people don’t automatically think about, like the fact that a person with disability might not have access to a debit or credit card. Being a cashless event, the Taste is making pre-paid debit cards available to use at the event.

“For some people, attending an event like the Taste is exciting and fun, but might become overwhelming at times. To cater for this, there will be a low-sensory area where people can take some time out from the crowds and noise.”

To ensure all local events have the opportunity to achieve such high standards of accessibility, the City of Hobart is currently developing an inclusive events guide and checklist, in collaboration with the Access Advisory Committee.

“This guide will be made available to event organisers to help them identify ways they can make their event more accessible, and help ensure all Hobartians can enjoy what their city has to offer.” Cr Sherlock said.

On International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) the City of Hobart is also supporting local events, including street performances by all-abilities artists supported by Second Echo Ensemble, Life Without Barriers and The Hobart Rock Band Academy. In addition, Aurora Disability Services will host its Aurora Dance at City Hall, supported by the City of Hobart.

The theme for IDPwD 2021 is Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world.