Sydney’s Deaf community enjoys Auslan- guided walking tour at the Botanic Gardens!
22-28 September is a week-long national celebration of Deaf individuals and the Australian Deaf community.
To mark this important week, Deaf Connect has released a report titled ‘Deaf Space,’ and worked with Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens to host the first ever Auslan-guided walking tour for Deaf Australians on Friday 26 September.
This is one of 16 ‘Deaf Space’ events organised by Deaf Connect to celebrate National Week of Deaf People 2025.
By creating a Deaf Space in Sydney, we invite everyone to celebrate this week with their local Deaf community and learn more about Deaf culture and Auslan (Australian Sign Language).
Event organiser and Deaf Connect Community Engagement Coordinator, Sue Jo Wright, stated:
“This event marks a milestone in creating inclusive experiences for Sydney’s Deaf community. By providing Auslan interpreters to accompany and translate the walking tour, we were able to ensure that Deaf attendees could connect and enjoy the beauty of nature.
“The tour welcomed a diverse group of Deaf Australians from all walks of life. It was fantastic to see the Royal Botanic Gardens open up an inclusive space for our community.”
Simon Duffy AM, Chief Executive of Botanic Gardens of Sydney said:
“The Botanic Gardens of Sydney are committed to providing a welcoming environment for all visitors. We are excited to provide an inclusive space for the Deaf community to enjoy the beauty of the Gardens and to celebrate Deaf culture during National Week of Deaf People.”
Why are local Deaf Spaces important?
Most spaces are built for hearing people, by hearing people. Deaf Connect has released a report during NWDP titled ‘Deaf Space,’ which is the first of its kind to offer practical guidance on how to make environments accessible to everyone – whether that’s in the classroom, in the office, or at an event like this one.
National Week of Deaf People is about recognising Deaf Australians right to Auslan (Australian Sign Langauge).
Acknowledging that right means making public life Auslan-accessible – and creating spaces where Deaf people can connect, celebrate, and feel like they belong.
The local community is encouraged to think about what they can do to make our society more inclusive, whether that’s through accessibility in businesses, design in buildings, or connecting with the Deaf community.
Sydney Event Details
- What: Deaf community gathering at Royal Botanic Garden (meet at The Garden Shop).
- When: Friday 26 September 2025, 10:30am–12:00pm.
- Flyer with event details attached.
