Community celebrates National Week of Deaf People
Gold Coast’s Deaf community celebrated National Week of Deaf People with a Deaf Space event
What’s happening?
Gold Coast’s Deaf community has marked National Week of Deaf People (NWDP) with a special gathering at the Anglican Church in Robina last 17 September.
The event, organised by Deaf Connect, created an inclusive Deaf Space for Deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing locals to come together, communicate in Auslan (Australian Sign Language), and celebrate their culture and history.
Attendees enjoyed Auslan games, conversations, and refreshments, highlighting the value of accessible spaces where Deaf people can connect.
Why it matters
National Week of Deaf People, run from 22–28 September 2025, is an annual celebration of the achievements, identity, and human rights of Deaf Australians. This year’s theme, set by Deaf Australia, is No Human Rights without Sign Language Rights.
Deaf Connect launched a landmark Deaf Space report to mark the week, offering practical guidance for making environments more inclusive. The report documents the lived experiences of Deaf Australians across social, cultural, and economic contexts and highlights how communities have created their own spaces of belonging.
Deaf Connect CEO Brett Casey said: “This National Week of Deaf People, we’re excited to unite our community through a series of events nationwide. These gatherings give Deaf people, allies, and the wider public the chance to connect in an inclusive Deaf Space.
“The Deaf Space Report examines the lived experiences of Deaf Australians across a wide range of social, religious, economic, and cultural contexts. It is the first of its kind to document the spaces that Deaf people in Australia have created over time, including Deaf First Nations, Deaf LGBTQI+, Deafblind, Deaf Disabled and numerous other diverse groups.
“National Week of Deaf People is an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on what our public services, business and communities could be doing to contribute towards a more inclusive nation.”
Local impact
Gold Coast Community Engagement Coordinator, Trina Wilson, said the Robina gathering was a success, with 45 locals attending. “We had a wonderful time and played several games, including the Deaf Quiz, which gave us the chance to talk about the importance of our language, culture, and history,” she said.
“As members of the Deaf community, we live and breathe it every day, but it’s always valuable to look back and be reminded of the advocates who came before us, as well as those who continue to lead today. It’s fantastic to see the local community in the Gold Coast come together to create Deaf accessible spaces. I invite all Australians to use this National Week of Deaf People to consider what they can do to make our society more Deaf-inclusive.”
Deaf Connect Project Manager and Deaf Space author, Amanda Everitt, said the idea goes beyond buildings. “Deaf Space is more than just a physical environment. It is a sense of belonging that transcends time, space and person,” she said.
“Auslan is a human right, and creating spaces of belonging helps to uphold and protect this human right.”
By the numbers:
45 Deaf locals attended the Robina gathering, highlighting the strength and connection of the Gold Coast Deaf community.
16 Deaf Space events are being held nationally by Deaf Connect, ensuring celebrations and conversations take place across Australia.
1 landmark report titled ‘Deaf Space’ was launched, providing the first practical guide to making classrooms, workplaces, and public spaces more inclusive for Deaf Australians.
Zoom in
The Gold Coast Deaf catch-up showcased the importance of language, culture, and history in strengthening identity. For many, the Robina event was not just a celebration, but a reminder of the continued advocacy needed for inclusivity.
Zoom out
Deaf Connect is hosting Deaf Space events nationwide, including in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, and Townsville. These events highlight how Auslan and Deaf identity are central to creating more inclusive communities across Australia.
What to look for next
With the launch of the Deaf Space report, Deaf Connect aims to influence design, business practices, and public services to ensure that Deaf accessibility is embedded in everyday life.
On the Gold Coast, the focus is on building more spaces where Deaf people can belong, participate, and thrive.