The Victorian Convention and Event Trust (VCET), responsible for managing both the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and the upcoming Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, has made a notable move toward greater inclusivity by forming an Accessibility Advisory Committee. This committee will include four individuals living with disabilities, marking VCET as the first Australian convention centre operator to establish such a permanent external advisory group.
The newly appointed committee members are:
- Briar Harte: An expert in inclusive design and a past winner of the Disability Inclusion Changemaker of the Year award.
- Nikhil Bora: Experience designer and co-founder of SignHow, known for creating a community-driven sign language dictionary.
- Jess Price: Founder and Chief Vision Officer at Paradigm Makers, a consultancy focusing on workplace solutions.
- Alex Stratikis: A tourism consultant and founder of Autism Adventures Abroad, who provides resources and travel advice for autistic individuals.
Chief Executive Natalie O’Brien AM expressed her enthusiasm at the inaugural meeting of the committee earlier this month, stating, “At MCEC and Nyaal Banyul, we aim to create spaces where individuals of all abilities can engage, discover, and experience joy. By incorporating those with lived experience, we strive to ensure our amenities and services are truly inclusive.”
The Accessibility Advisory Committee is aligned with VCET’s aim to enhance services and facilities at MCEC and Nyaal Banyul, as part of the Accessibility Action Plan initiated last year. The committee is expected to play a crucial role in reviewing progress and holding the organization accountable for its commitments.
Earlier advancements at MCEC include the installation of a Changing Place facility and achieving Limited Mobility Accessible Tourism Accreditation. Looking ahead to the Nyaal Banyul opening in mid-2026, Universal Design Principles will be integrated from the start, featuring accessible facilities designed to cater to diverse needs.
Committee members shared their goals, emphasizing the importance of making accessibility an expected standard in event planning rather than an afterthought.
