The National Wool Museum is celebrating the Australian Deaf community’s history, culture and language this Auslan Day.
The museum will host a free community day on Saturday, April 13, featuring Auslan (Australian sign language) guided tours, children’s activities, and opportunities for everyone to learn Auslan.
City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said the event was suitable for all ages, including the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, and honoured the Auslan dictionary’s first publication date.
“The event is part of our commitment to provide accessibility for all to attend the museum, not only on Auslan Day but into the future,” he said.
“We are proud to be working in partnership with Expression Australia to host one of two regional events at the National Wool Museum celebrating Auslan Day in Victoria.”
Close to 3.6 million Australians have some level of hearing loss, which is expected to increase to an estimated 7.8 million people by 2060, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics 2024 data.
National Wool Museum director Padraic Fisher said museums were for everyone and welcomed deaf and hard-of-hearing families and visitors to the museum.
“The free community day features Auslan guided tours of the museum, and a Museum Explorers Interactive Playgroup and Mini Makers for children eight years and younger,” he said.
The event will be hosted with Expression Australia, a not-for-profit that looks to empower people who are deaf or hard of hearing to overcome barriers in life and choose how they want to live.
Bookings are recommended for the event’s activities and can be made at geelongaustralia.com.au/nwm
Anyone interested in learning more about Auslan or partnering with Expression Australia is encouraged to visit expression.com.au or email engagement@expression.com.au
