Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

New accessibility and inclusion plan launched for Melbourne and Geelong Convention Centres

New accessibility and inclusion plan launched for Melbourne and Geelong Convention Centres
July 11, 2024

The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust (MCET) has launched new accessibility and inclusion plan for the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and the soon-to-open Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.

The plan focuses on four key goals - improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities; improving access to goods, services and facilities at MCEC and Nyaal Banyul; collaborating with event organisers to ensure everyone can meaningfully participate and engage in events; and changing discriminatory attitudes, behaviours and practices.

As operators of both venues, the MCET) has already made significant progress towards accessibility and inclusion across both venues.

MCEC has a range of accessible features available to support visitors with mobility needs, vision impairment and assisted hearing. MCEC’s new website launched last year was designed with inclusivity in mind, providing information about accessible features as well as virtual tours of the venue. Over the next three years, MCET has committed to further enhancing accessibility at the venue.

Nyaal Banyul set to open on the Geelong waterfront in 2026, MCET is working closely with the Victorian Government and the consortium led by Plenary Conventions to ensure the venue is designed with accessible gathering spaces for all who visit.

In addition, the Positive Impact Guide was launched last year to provide event organisers with tangible resources to embed corporate social responsibility into their events.

Introducing the new plan, MCET Chief Executive, Natalie O’Brien stated “as leaders in the events industry, it’s our duty to set the standard for accessibility and inclusion.

“We’re proud to release our latest Accessibility Action Plan, affirming our commitments to providing welcoming spaces for everyone that visits our venues.”

Committed to providing safe spaces to connect and engage, MCET’s new website, launched last year, was designed with inclusivity in mind, complying to WCAG 2.0 Level AA Accessibility Guidelines, and providing information about accessible features as well as virtual tours of the venue, allowing visitors to easily explore, navigate and plan their visit.

In addition, the Positive Impact Guide was launched last year to provide event organisers with tangible resources to embed corporate social responsibility into their events. The guide includes information on accommodations that can be made to support attendees, as well as partnerships with leading disability service providers, Travellers Aid and Alkira.

MCET’s Accessibility Action Plan was developed with input from people with lived experience along with expertise from accessibility consultants in the tourism industry. This included support from the City of Melbourne Business Capacity Program.

Image credit: MCET.

Related Articles

10th July 2024 - Cairns Convention Centre launches artwork marking pivotal step in Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan

1st July 2024 - Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre spotlights its 20th anniversary

24th June 2024 - AFL and Maple Community Services partner to improve inclusivity in sport

19th June 2024 - City of Sydney champions diversity and inclusion training

21st May 2024 - Tourism Ministers launch national framework to help tourism businesses improve accessibility

13th May 2024 - Melbourne Convention Bureau champions sustainable business events with latest Melbourne eGuide

16th March 2024 - ASM Global partnership to bring sporting events to convention centres portfolio

21st February 2024 - Melbourne Convention Bureau releases its First Peoples Engagement Guide

7th February 2024 - Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust launches inaugural branding for new Geelong Convention and Event Centre

7th February 2024 - New funding aims to improve accessibility at Victorian creative spaces

1st February 2024 - Diversity and Inclusion in Leisure Forum counts down to Melbourne return

20th October 2023 - Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre meets its environmental, social and economic targets

1st March 2023 - Marvel Stadium to enhance accessibility after accusations of ‘ableism and discrimination’

22nd June 2022 - Australia’s most disability inclusive, accessible music festival returns to Melbourne in 2023


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

SeatGeek Asia Pacific

SeatGeek is a search engine and mobile-focused ticket marketplace that allows fans to buy and sell tickets for live events. As of August 2018, SeatGeek has exited the Australian, New…

read more

Entertainment / Sport / Technology / Ticketing / Venues

 
 

Enta Australasia

As of the 1st July 2018, Enta Australasia Pty Ltd/Best Union has been rebranded as VIVATICKET Pty Ltd.  Click here to view the VIVATICKET Pty Ltd listing.  19th July 2018 - ENTA…

read more

Technology / Ticketing / Venues

 
 

Tim Batt Water Solutions

Tim Batt Water Solutions are at the very forefront of the commercial aquatic business in Australia, with over 30 years specific experience supplying and installing chemical control and dosing…

read more

Aquatics / Environment / Recreation / Technology / Venues

 
 

Again Faster

ABOUT Again Faster is a Brisbane based, Australian owned supplier of strength and conditioning and functional fitness equipment. With nearly 10 years experience in the Australian market, we are…

read more

Fitness / Recreation

 
 

Advanced Aquarium Technologies

Advanced Aquarium Technologies (AAT) is a world leader in the design, construction, and operation of landmark public aquariums. Led from Queensland, AAT has delivered aquarium projects in over 25…

read more

Attractions / Consultants / Design / Parks / Zoos

 
 

Hadley/Series Australia Pty Ltd

Hadley Australia and Series Australia Pty Ltd are the leading quality theatre chair manufacturers in the southern hemisphere. The businesses work closely with architects, interior designers and…

read more

Arts / Culture / Design / Entertainment / Venues

 
 

Felton Industries

Felton Industries is Australia’s leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of quality outdoor furniture and has been supplying premium seating solutions for all sporting, commercial, community…

read more

Parks / Play / Recreation / Sport / Venues

 
 

Pico Play

Pico Play is a global leader in the planning, design, development and construction of world-class themed attractions and entertainment that deliver extraordinary and memorable experiences to millions…

read more

Attractions / Consultants / Design / Recreation / Tourism

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business