Locals and visitors set to benefit from ‘sensory inclusive’ Phillip Island

Phillip Island is set to become the first “tourist town” in Australia to achieve an important certification, with children with autism and their families set to benefit.

Emmit Cavanaugh and his mum Jane are looking forward to Phillip Island becoming sensory inclusive so they can do more activities with their family.

Visiting attractions on Phillip Island is about to become much easier for people and families with higher sensory needs, as the popular destination strives to become the first tourist town in Australia to become officially “sensory inclusive”.

Dozens of businesses will be trained to identify sensory overload and shops, attractions and restaurants will be made a safe space for people suffering from conditions like autism, stroke, dementia and PTSD.

Phillip Island Nature Parks’ attractions, including the world famous Penguin Parade, became the first nature experience in Australia to be officially certified as sensory inclusive last year, and now they are getting more businesses and tourism operators around Phillip Island to jump on board.

At a special sensory friendly Penguin Parade on April 30, visitor capacity with be reduced from 2500 to 1000, all loud interpretative interactions will be turned off, loud noises in the café and restaurants will be minimised, offering a quiet space, and paper towels will be offered in the toilets instead of hand dryers.

Phillip Island local Emmit Cavanagh, 13, has autism and mum Jane said the initiative would make a world of difference to her family.

“We don’t do a lot as a family because it is just so overwhelming for Emmit,” she said.

“We had often avoided going to new places because we didn’t know how Emmit would react, but initiatives like this make us feel more comfortable, especially knowing that staff understand sensory overload and are trained to look for signs people are feeling uncomfortable.”

She said better training for staff should be a priority, so they are able to help people with higher needs.

“Just because someone doesn’t look a certain way doesn’t mean they aren’t autistic.

“You never know how any kid like him is going to react when they get there.

“It’s not their responsibility but sometimes a little bit of understanding and kindness goes a long way.”

Emmit Cavanaugh and his mum Jane, who are looking forward to Phillip Island becoming sensory inclusive so they can do more activities with their family.

Nature Parks have partnered with global organisation, KultureCity, to provide resources and specialised training.

The specialised training has now been provided to dozens of businesses on Phillip Island, with the aim to train 50 businesses and become the first tourist town in Australia with “sensory inclusive” status.

Phillip Island Nature Parks captured penguins in Summerland Bay. Picture: supplied.

Bass Coast Shire Council, Wild Coast Cruises, Ripples and Tonic and Phillip Island Helicopters are just some of the businesses and organisations that have jumped on board the initiative.

Phillip Island Nature Parks general manager of tourism operations Peta Wittig said small things can make a big difference to someone who suffers from sensory overload.

“For people who have sensory issues, simply knowing that there are people nearby who understand and can help them if they become overwhelmed has a significant impact on their wellbeing and confidence,” she said.

Champion Australian netballer and KultureCity ambassador Renea Ingles said it was great to see Phillip Island taking the lead and making itself fun and accessible for everyone.

“They are leading the way in Australia and it’s exciting for families like mine,” she said.

Ms Cavanagh said she believes things are changing in the accessibility space and it is great to see more and more places taking on the responsibility of making their activities and venues more enjoyable for everyone.

“I think things are absolutely changing and that’s really positive to see,” she said.