Accessibility

ACCESSIBILITY

The City of Melbourne is a child safe organisation and is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive and accessible M/FW for people of all abilities. We endeavour towards best practices and are continually improving the experience for our attendees, both online and at our events.

M/FW has numerous accessibility provisions and information to assist people of all abilities in engaging with the event.

You can find accessibility icons and content warnings on each event’s page which provides further information on the accessibility of the event. You can find a description of each accessibility icon below.

For further assistance you can email us directly on mfw.ticketing@melbourne.vic.gov.au or call City of Melbourne Customer Service team on 9658 9658.

M/FW works with specialist access and inclusion consultants, Get Skilled Access (GSA), to build on existing initiatives and enhance accessibility for staff, contractors, and attendees.

We also collaborate with local businesses, artists, designers, talent, and creatives of all abilities to ensure our events and services genuinely reflect the diversity of our communities. Please see some events we are excited for below!

Fashion x Music – featuring designers, performers and musicians from a diverse range of backgrounds

M/FW Conversations – Fashion for Every Body – Meet former Paralympian, now artist and designer Gabriel Cole (ASAU by Gabriel Cole) and a line up of local innovators, designers and artists who are paving the way for truly inclusive design.

The Catwalk Speaks – Discover how words bring fashion to life through audio description in this unique event that explores accessibility in fashion storytelling.

Shuck & Stitch – Artist and designer Louise Marson, who lives with an acquired brain injury, presents this stunning exhibition transforming market waste and discarded oyster farm materials into high-fashion garments, accessories, and millinery.

To learn more about accessibility options at M/FW events, click the Accessibility Filter in the program dropdown menu.
Companion Card Holders qualify for a complimentary Companion Ticket to all M/FW events.

For the following M/FW owned and delivered events ticketed directly through our ticketing provider Humanitix, accessible ticketing is available directly online, including self-bookable wheelchair spaces and Companion Tickets. This applies to the following events:

ganbu marra Runway

Dining Runway at Il Mercato Centrale

Student Collections Runway

Closing Runway at 101 Collins

M/FW Conversations

Please enter the access code “COMPANIONCARD” in the “Access Code” box at the top of the ticketing page of your selected event to reveal accessible ticket pricing.

If you require a companion to access the event but do not have a Companion Card, we still encourage you to select Companion Card ticketing. M/FW understands that not all patrons who require assistance to attend events have Companion Cards and therefore our accessible ticketing options are available to all those who require it.

For M/FW event Fashion x Music at the Melbourne Recital Centre, please contact the Melbourne Recital Centre Box Office team to book accessible tickets directly. To find out more about accessibility at MRC, please see their Accessibility page.
Phone: 03 9699 3333
Email: boxoffice@melbournerecital.com.au

For all independently run events, M/FW is working with event organisers to provide the best experience possible but please reach out to them directly with questions and for assistance via their ticketing platforms.

If you have any questions about accessible ticketing, please email mfw.ticketing@melbourne.vic.gov.au.
M/FW will be incorporating the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme assisting those with hidden disabilities. People who need assistance can wear a Sunflower symbol so trained staff can offer help. Collect your sunflower from City of Melbourne Tourism Hubs at Melbourne Town Hall, Bourke Street Mall, Fitzroy Gardens and Queen Victoria Market or pick one up from the Accessibility Concierge at M/FW Runways. Visit the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme website to learn more.
Social Stories support you by preparing you for what you will see, hear and do at an event. They are a way to prepare anyone who needs additional information for an event, new activity or change to routine. With pictures and simple text, Social Stories help to lessen the anxiety of the new and supports everyone to have the best possible experience.

View Social Story Word Doc or PDF (2MB)

Accessibility Key

100% aural content
This event is entirely sound based with no visual component e.g. a sound art installation or a show performed in complete darkness.
100% visual content
The event contains no music or dialogue.
50% aural content
This event has both sound and visual components, but sight isn’t essential to engage properly with the work.
50% visual content
The event is partially subtitled or includes dialogue, background music and/or sounds.
75% aural content
This event is primarily sound based, with visuals only incidental to the work.
75% visual content
This event is fully subtitled or has minimal dialogue and/or sounds.
Accessibility concierge
An Accessibility Concierge will be available to assist guests to navigate and enjoy the event.

At M/FW runways, locate the Accessibility Concierge next to the ticketing desk or ask one of our many onsite staff and volunteers.
Accessible for low vision
This event can provide additional access provisions for people who are blind or have low vision. This may include guided or tactile tours and exhibitions.
Accessible toilet
An accessible toilet is available at this event.
Assistive listening systems available on request
Hearing loops or assistive listening systems can be requested up to two weeks pre-event by emailing mfwticketing@melbourne.vic.gov.au.
Audio description
This event includes audio description for people who are blind or have low vision, transmitted through a personal listening device.
Auslan Interpreting available on request
An Auslan interpreter can be requested up to 2 weeks pre-event by emailing mfwticketing@melbourne.vic.gov.au.
Braille
For this event or venue, information will be available in Braille, including items such as exhibition labelling, publications and signage.
Closed captioning
This event has on screen captioning that can be activated or deactivated by the viewer.
Companion cards & companions
If you have a Companion Card, you qualify for a complimentary second ticket to bring a companion. Please see the Accessibility page for how to book a ticket for a companion. If you require a companion but do not have a Companion Card, please see our Accessibility page.
Language no barrier
For this event, audiences can understand and engage with the event without a comprehensive understanding of the English language.
Large print
This event will be able to support guests who require large print, with high contrast and spacing.
Open captioning
This event will have on screen text descriptions that communicate dialogue, identify speakers and describe other relevant sounds.
Wheelchair accessible
Accessible by wheelchair
Accessible seating
Accessible seating available and can be booked via ticketing platform.
Gender neutral toilets
This event has gender neutral toilets available.
Quiet Area or Sensory Map
A quiet area is available to help reduce sensory stimulation during the event. Where a dedicated quiet area cannot be provided a sensory map may be provided with your ticket to help you locate low-stimulation areas during the event. Please speak with the Accessibility Concierge or to a member of staff if you need help finding or using either service.
Seat dimensions
Seated events have seat dimensions provided.
Viewing platform
A raised platform that provides an elevated viewing experience for people with additional access requirements. Check in with the Accessibility Concierge or a member of our staff to direct you to the platform.
Relaxed session
Relaxed sessions offer a more sensory-friendly experience of the artwork. Please see the ticketing options for more details of session times.
Social Stories
Social Stories support you by preparing you for what you will see, hear and do at an event. They are a way to prepare anyone who needs additional information for an event, new activity or change to routine. With pictures and simple text, Social Stories help to lessen the anxiety of the new and supports everyone to have the best possible experience.

Our Social Stories are Microsoft Word documents so that it can be customised to meet individual needs.