The City of Ballarat will introduce a six-month pilot of ‘Convo Access’ across more than 40 community locations, improving accessibility for Deaf and hard-of-hearing residents and visitors.
Convo Access is an on-demand Auslan interpreting service delivered via video call. Visitors to participating City of Ballarat locations, including the Ballarat Aquatic & Lifestyle Centre, will be able to connect with a qualified Auslan interpreter by scanning a QR code. The free service requires no app downloads or login and can be accessed on any internet-connected smartphone or tablet.
Recent community consultation for the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2026-2030 highlighted the need for improved communication accessibility across Ballarat. Community members emphasised embedding supports such as symbol-based communication boards, large-print and easy read materials, alongside Auslan interpreters and hearing loops.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves welcomed the initiative, highlighting its importance in improving inclusion and reducing communication barriers.
“We are proud to be the first local government in Victoria to trial this technology,” she said.
“It reflects our commitment to creating an accessible city where everyone can participate fully. Convo Access will help ensure our Deaf and hard-of-hearing community can access City of Ballarat services, programs, events and spaces without barriers to communication.”
Gary Kerridge, a local resident and representative for Deaf Victoria, strongly supported the initiative to improve accessible communication for the Deaf community.
“The Convo on-demand project with the City of Ballarat is a fantastic initiative. It shows that Ballarat City Council is serious about access and inclusion for Deaf Auslan users,” he said.
“It’s exciting that the City of Ballarat is using a Deaf-led and Deaf-owned business as part of this project. Deaf Victoria is proud to be supporting and promoting this wonderful, nation-leading initiative.”
More than 40 locations will take part in the pilot program, including the Ballarat Art Gallery, Her Majesty’s Theatre and Eureka Centre. Convo Access will also enhance service delivery across City of Ballarat programs, including playgroups, early years services and Ageing Well.
The initiative will support older adults, parents and people of all ages, while strengthening staff awareness and increasing the visibility of Auslan in everyday settings.
Following the trial, a report capturing outcomes will be considered by the City of Ballarat determining any potential future rollout.
Convo is a Deaf-owned company and a member of the Australian Sign Language Interpreters Association and the Australian Network on Disability.
The City of Ballarat Convo Access trial will run from 27 July 2026 to 27 January 2027.
