The Carers Lounge
Disability & Sensory Space
Every event should be everyone's event.
A free, fully accessible sensory and changing space at Australia's biggest events…
so a big day out doesn't have to end early.
What Is the carers lounge?
Getting in the gate is not the same as being able to stay.
Crowds. Noise. Long days. Nowhere private to change, feed or take medication.
The SACARE Carers Lounge fixes that. Two purpose-built spaces at the event, free to enter, where people with disability, their carers and their families can step out, reset, and head straight back into it.
We've built our reputation on asking how can we instead of accepting this is how it is.
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A calm retreat from the noise and the crowd.
Soft lighting, bubble tubes, fibre optic lights, interactive screens and a 'magic carpet' floor projection designed to settle the nervous system and ease sensory overload.
Built for children and adults alike.
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A private, hygienic space with a ceiling hoist, height-adjustable adult change table and accessible toilet.
Purpose-built for personal care with dignity.
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Somewhere quiet and clean to manage feeding, PEG care or medication, without needing to leave the event or find a car park.
What’s Inside?
Two Spaces.
Everything you need to stay the whole day.
*Please Bring Your Own Sling
Good to know
before you visit
It's completely free.
For everyone. No ticket, no wristband, no eligibility check.
No booking required.
Walk in when you need it.
Staffed by our team.
Trained SACARE support workers are on site to help if you need a hand.
Open to all abilities.
Sensory sensitivities, high physical support needs, invisible disability, or simply a carer who needs five minutes… the door's open.
Locations and hours vary by event.
Check the details below or follow us on social for the latest.
WHERE TO FIND US NEXT
Find us in the Vili’s Dog Pavilion
Open September 5 – September 13
Daily from 10am to 8pm (9pm Fri & Sat)
Past Events We’ve Attended
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Adelaide Fringe
Escape the Fringe buzz at SACARE's Carer's Lounge—a calm accessibility retreat for our disability community. The Carers Lounge was located in Rymill Park, on the corner of East Terrace, opposite the bus terminal and Tandanya. It was free to access and open Wed–Fri 3pm to 6pm, Saturday 12pm to 7pm & Sunday 1pm-4pm.
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VAILO Adelaide 500
The Adelaide 500 is Australia’s largest domestic ticketed motorsport event and the Carers Lounge was open for all to enjoy from 23 to 26 November 2023 from 8am to 6pm.
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Royal Adelaide Show
The Carers Lounge collaboration with The Royal Adelaide Show is where it all began! For 3 years we’ve been working together to bring inclusion to the fun and festivities that are well loved heritage annual event.
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Variety SA Kids Xmas Party
We spread the festive joy for everyone at this year's Variety SA Kids Christmas Party. Our changing space was held on the scene on Wednesday, November 22nd, from 9 am to 2 pm.
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Melbourne Royal Show
Victoria’s disability community received the ultimate show experience! In 2022 ONCALL proudly partnered with the Royal Melbourne Show to create The ONCALL Quiet Room, and 2023 it returned again to provide a calm, private space for people living with disability, their families and carers.
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Santa's Wonerland
We worked together with Santa’s Wonderland in 2023 to develop the Quiet Zone, a retreat to regulate and rest. A calm, peaceful space created to cater to attendees with sensory sensitivities. It was an opportunity to enjoy the fun and festivities of the event but take breaks when necessary.
What people are saying about the Carers Lounge…
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![Red circle with a white heart wearing a top hat and the text 'variety the children's charity' underneath.]()
Sincere thanks for your generous support in providing the SACARE Carer’s Lounge at this year’s Variety Children’s Christmas Party. It was an invaluable addition to the day with 24 using the facility – 12 using the lifter and average change time 5 minutes. We are keen to use this service again.
Robbi Tims
Chair -
![Simplified illustration of a woman with long dark hair, no facial features, wearing a turquoise top, against an orange circular background.]()
Thank you SACARE For providing this space... and for the insightful story... But mostly for understanding and showing respect to special needs and their families and carers. This is Gold Thank You.
Sue Rees
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![Illustration of a person with dark hair, no facial features, wearing a white shirt, against a yellow circular background.]()
Fantastic service! Thank you so much! This made our trip to the show so much easier. The changing facility was amazing.
Brenton-Kylie Kupke
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![Illustration of a woman with short dark hair, wearing an orange shirt and white jacket, against an orange circular background.]()
Thank you!!! About time accessibility was thought about more at the show. For years it's been a struggle with feeding due to lack of sufficient facilities. I'm looking forward in trying out this space for our daughter. This is amazing, so glad it is happening and so happy for the thousands of carers that can seek relief and facilities during the show!
Kimberley Robinson
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![Illustration of a woman with dark hair styled in a bun, facing sideways, wearing an orange top.]()
We used it last year and it absolutely saved us. Halfway through the day one of my boys got really overwhelmed and escalated quickly. We were luckily nearby and as soon as we entered the room he immediately calmed down. Full-blown meltdown averted. Happy, relaxed kids (and parents). We were able to stay for the afternoon because of this ability to reset. I really hope they keep it for future years. It makes the show so much more inclusive!
Rhiannon
No limits to exciting events!
Join the accessibility revolution, transforming events for everyone!
Want to know more? Reach our team on 1300 145 636 or email us!