Published on: 26th November 2024
Recently, Deaf Connect was thrilled to support a gathering of the Australian Deaf Caravan and Camping Group, held at the BIG4 Bellarine Holiday Park from 8 to 17 November 2024. This vibrant nine-day event brought together more than 100 attendees who reconnected, shared stories, and enjoyed a variety of activities in the great outdoors.
As part of this sponsorship, Deaf Connect funded a marquee that served as the central space for campers. Additionally, Deaf Historian Dr Breda Carty attended to present on the Deaf History Collections project, offering a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of our community.
Throughout the week, attendees participated in various activities and also had the chance to reunite with friends and acquaintances. Deaf spaces like this are incredibly valuable, and are essential in the sharing of Deaf culture, language and identity.
One attendee shared:
“It was a great occasion. The group was very well-organised, and it was wonderful to see so many Deaf people enjoying themselves. I even saw people there who I hadn’t seen in many years! Almost everyone there mentioned they remembered me as a little kid.”
This gathering was supported by our grants and sponsorships program, which funds initiatives that empower Deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing Australians. Thanks to support from Deaf Lottery, we’re able to invest $300,000 annually into community-driven projects that support recreational activities, career aspirations, and wellbeing goals.
If you or someone you know has an initiative that could benefit the Deaf community, we encourage you to apply for funding.
Visual descriptions:
Image 1: A large group of people gathers under a white marquee, smiling and waving at the camera. Three individuals at the front wear maroon and black shirts, leading the cheerful crowd. Attendees sit at tables or stand, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
Image 2: Four adults pose in front of a banner reading “Australian Deaf Caravan & Camping Group.” One woman wears a maroon polo, another a navy shirt, and two men sport casual shirts. A stand displays collaged photos labeled with events.
