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In March 2026, Deafness Forum Australia spent time with Toowong State School, looking closely at how accessible communication is being brought to life in a school setting. It was not framed as innovation, rather simply how things are done at Toowong: thoughtfully, consistently, and in ways that ensure every student can participate fully.
Since then, we have begun sharing more of Toowong’s approach through our newsletter, with plans to build this into a regular series focused on what accessible communication looks like in practice. This week, that everyday commitment found its way onto a much larger stage.
Best Industry Collaboration with People with Disability or Who are d/Deaf
Deputy Principal Liz Fletcher shared news of the school’s involvement in the choir collaboration for the Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols, which took home this prestigious honor for its groundbreaking approach to inclusive holiday production.
Photos courtesy of Toowong State School
Working alongside The Little Red Company, Brisbane City Council, and The Nine Network as the broadcast partner, Toowong students were part of a performance that approached communication differently. Auslan was completely embedded within the experience. The performance itself moved far beyond spoken words, creating an expressive tapestry that could be deeply understood through sign, music, and movement.
The broader production set a new standard for entertainment, featuring Auslan interpretation across both the live stadium event and its national television broadcast, alongside a wider suite of accessibility features intentionally woven throughout the entire experience.
A Part of the Same Movement
For Deafness Forum Australia, the connection is clear: what we witnessed at Toowong in March is completely intertwined with this award-winning milestone. It is part of the same movement—one where accessible communication is embedded early, practiced often, and proudly carried into massive public and cultural spaces.
As we move further into a One in Five reality, these examples matter immensely. They prove that true inclusion is not a token, one-off initiative. It is a cultural value that can be learned, shared, and successfully scaled. We look forward to continuing to share more from Toowong State School in the months ahead.
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