Quiet rooms
Audio description: A wide shot pans down to show the front of Suncorp Stadium, with a statue of Wally Lewis in the centre of the frame. Two quick shots of the Quiet Room: the first with stools covered in artificial grass sitting next to electronic tablets inset into the walls, with colourful graphics scrolling on them, the second with a bean bag in a lowlight room. We cut to a shot of Bruce Camplin the Accessibility Coordinator at Suncorp Stadium. He is speaking with a customer, giving them direction. The shot cuts to Bruce in the stadium, in an interview-style set up.
Bruce Camplin: My name is Bruce. My role is the Accessibility Coordinator, to oversee any issues with people that come into the stadium with a disability. I think the role is really, really necessary now.
Audio description: We cut to a scene with Bruce is assisting a customer to find her seat in the stadium. A montage of shots of Bruce assisting various customers as they enter the stadium.
Bruce Camplin: Whether it be a physical disability or a visually impaired person, just to come to the stadium and have someone represent them, that can see it from their point of view. That’s really the reason why I did this role.
Audio description: We cut to Barbara Easton, an employee of Suncorp Stadium. She is sitting in the Quiet Room, in an interview-style set up.
Barbara Easton: My name is Barbara Easton. I’m the People and Culture Manager at Suncorp Stadium.
Audio description: We cut to a shot of Barbara sitting at her desk in her office, typing on her keyboard. A close up shot of Barbara typing. A close up shot of her computer screen on a PDF titled ‘Accessibility at Suncorp Stadium’.
Barbara Easton: Our journey has always been making sure that individuals with disabilities are able to come to the stadium, but in the last two to three years, our journey has gone further than that. When the quiet room as a room was developed we coupled together with some of our partners and got a bit of guidance around what that space should look like. A social story is basically your guide for the person to prepare themselves before they get here, so that they really make themselves comfortable. If we understand more, we can grow and learn and not just become stagnant and say “This is the way it is.”
Audio description: There is a montage of shots as Barbara speaks. Close up shots of a signage of the Quiet Room, one with Braille. Within the Quiet Room, a tiered couch with two water-filled feature installations, a close up on the bubbles and toy fish floating inside. Text on screen reads “Suncorp Stadium quiet room”. A shot of another space in the Quiet Room, containing a circular chair inset into the wall, with a closable curtain for privacy. A wide shot of the main space in the Quiet Room, with stools covered in artificial grass sitting next to electronic tablets inset into the walls, with colourful graphics scrolling on them. We cut to a shot of a mobile phone, as a person is scrolling through Suncorp Stadium’s social story. Text on screen reads “Suncorp Stadium social story”. The shot then cuts to the person on the phone zooming in on the Accessibility Map. Text on screen reads “Suncorp Stadium website: Accessibility information”. We cut to Bruce and Barbara walking through Suncorp Stadium, with a Suncorp Stadium sign in the background.
Barbara Easton: Bruce has been at the stadium for over 15 years.
Audio description: Bruce and Barbara having a conversation inside the entrance of Suncorp Stadium. Cut to a wide shot with Bruce and Barbara in front of the Suncorp Stadium Information Desk. We cut back to Bruce in his interview set-up.
Bruce Camplin: We thought we’d try for seven events, and I just completed the 175th event of doing this role.
Audio description: Barbara sitting in the Quiet Room, in an interview-style set up.
Barbara Easton: I think it’s really important to bring people along on the journey. There is just us and we’re all working towards that goal.
Audio description: Barbara and Bruce walking and talking through Suncorp Stadium. A Queensland Government logo graphic appears. It reads: Delivering for Queensland.
Why quiet rooms are important
Sometimes people can react to sensory inputs-like sounds, lights, textures, tastes, and smells-in their own unique ways. Some sensory experiences can be enjoyable and meaningful, while others may feel uncomfortable for make it harder to take part in everyday activities.
How quiet rooms can help
Quiet rooms, also called sensory spaces or calm rooms, are designed to reduce sensory input and help people feel at ease. These spaces are quiet, dimly lit, and free from distractions. They may include calming tools like noise-cancelling headphones, soft lighting, fidget toys, or comfortable seating.
In Queensland, quiet rooms are becoming more common in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. Events like the Brisbane Festival and sports venues are starting to include quiet zones so everyone can enjoy the experience without feeling overwhelmed.
Who benefits from quiet rooms?
Quiet rooms are helpful for anyone who needs a moment to relax, whether they’re feeling stressed at work, overwhelmed at an event, or just need a break.
By including quiet rooms in public spaces, we can create more inclusive environments where everyone feels welcome and supported. Next time you’re at a busy event, check if there’s a quiet room available – it might be just what you or someone you know needs to feel calm and comfortable.