Sunshine Coast Airport (SCA) is excited to announce it has partnered with the 2026 Australian Deaf Games. The Games are set to take place from 4 -11 July 2026 on the Sunshine Coast, the first time region has hosted the event.
The Australian Deaf Games is the premier multi-sport event for the deaf and hard of hearing community in Australia, featuring 20 sports and attracting more than 1,200 participants from across the nation.
SCA CEO Chris Mills said this event showcased athletic prowess and fostered a sense of community, celebrating the achievements of deaf athletes.
“It is one year from today until the opening ceremony and we are honoured to sponsor the 2026 Australian Deaf Games,” said Mr Mills.
“Our sponsorship reflects our desire to empower individuals of all abilities and promote a culture of inclusivity.
“Athletes from across Australia will converge on the Sunshine Coast for the event, adding to the region’s reputation as a major sports hub while promoting accessible tourism.
“We believe that sports have the power to unite communities and inspire individuals to reach their full potential.”
The 2026 Australian Deaf Games will feature a diverse range of sports, including basketball, swimming, athletics, and more. The event will also include social and cultural activities, providing a platform for the deaf community to connect, share experiences, and celebrate their unique culture.
Project Manager for Australian Deaf Games Garry West-Bail said they were excited to be working with Sunshine Coast Airport.
“It’s a professional partnership that’s based around a strong commitment to supporting and ensuring the airport is a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive environment for all,” Mr West-Bail said.
“They have a strong belief in the Games and the legacies that we are all wanting to achieve.
“The partnership will see the airport and associated staff involved in Deaf Awareness Training and the learning of basic Auslan in early 2026.”
Background:
- The Games will host over 1200 deaf and hard of hearing athletes.
- Attendees will come from across Queensland and Australia, with a New Zealand contingent and participants from several Pacific Island Nations.
- There are different types of hearing loss that range from mild, moderate, severe, or profound.
- Around 1 in 6 Australians experience hearing loss.
- Auslan is a unique and visual language used by Australian people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Up to 30,000 Australians use Auslan.
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For further information:
Contact: Sunshine Coast Airport Corporate Communications
(07) 5373 1901
About Sunshine Coast Airport
Sunshine Coast Airport (SCA) is the gateway to the Sunshine Coast and one of Australia’s fastest growing airports. SCA directly connects the Sunshine Coast community to five domestic and international destinations (Adelaide, Auckland, Cairns, Melbourne and Sydney) and is supported by five airlines (Air New Zealand, Alliance, Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia). With more than 80 flights per week to Sydney and Melbourne, and convenient connections to Adelaide, Auckland and Cairns, SCA is the natural choice.
In July 2023, Sunshine Coast Airport was declared a Priority Development Area (PDA), with a new Development Scheme taking effect on Friday 27 September 2024. The Development Scheme will unlock opportunities that attract investment, drive economic growth and create jobs on and off airport. By 2040, it is estimated the airport will directly contribute $460m in total to Australia’s GDP. Jobs on airport are forecast to grow to 2,400 by 2040 and support a total of 3438 jobs (direct and indirect).
Sunshine Coast Airport Pty Ltd operates and manages Sunshine Coast Airport, the gateway to the Sunshine Coast and Noosa regions, under a 99-year lease from Sunshine Coast Council which commenced in December 2017.
