Bunbury Fringe will continue to be an accessible event for the deaf community, with funding from the South West Development Commission to be used to hire an Auslan interpreter for selected shows over the next three years.
With the aim of making Bunbury Fringe shows appealing to diverse audiences, the grant will assist Bunbury Fringe to work towards its goal of making events accessible to everyone.
A total of $7,500 spread across 2024, 2025 and 2026 will support event organisers in ensuring Bunbury Fringe can be enjoyed by the deaf community in future years.
The program for the 2024 event provides clear information – by way of an icon – on the shows where Auslan interpretation is available.
Bunbury Fringe chairperson Martyn Dunbar-Stuart welcomed the funding boost from the Commission.
“Bunbury Fringe believes the arts are for everyone and strives to provide accessibility to all members of our community,” Mr Dunbar-Stuart said.
“There are always costs involved and grants like this one really help us to work towards that goal.
“We have had an interpreter at previous events but with costs going up in every area this was one of the things we had to consider if we could afford to continue.
“With dedicated funding this means we can now guarantee Auslan interpretation at selected shows over the next three years.”
Bunbury MLA Don Punch praised Bunbury Fringe for making the event accessible through an Auslan interpreter.
“Making sure events like Bunbury Fringe are more inclusive means our cultural activities will be even more effective in bringing our community together and promoting social cohesion,” Mr Punch said.
Commission chief executive officer Mellisa Teede said the State Government organisation was committed to supporting the development of thriving, diverse and creative communities.
“We are pleased to support events which connect people with the community, allow people to pursue their interests, and enrich the social fabric of the region through championing access and inclusion,” Ms Teede said.
