Deaf Sports Australia is pleased to announce that the next Australian Deaf Games will be held in Bunbury, Western Australia, over Easter 2030, bringing Australia’s most important Deaf and hard-of-hearing sporting and cultural event to the South West.
Located approximately two hours south of Perth, Bunbury is a major regional city of Western Australia. The City of Bunbury’s offer to host the Games and provide significant support demonstrates its strong enthusiasm to welcome Australia’s Deaf and hard-of-hearing community in 2030.
The Australian Deaf Games will welcome Deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes, officials, volunteers, Auslan interpreters, families and supporters from across Australia for a celebration of sport, community, Deaf culture, identity and language.
Held every four years, the Australian Deaf Games are a signature event for the Australian Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, creating opportunities for athletes to compete, connect and be part of an inclusive national sporting environment. The Games also play an important role in introducing young and emerging Deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes to the broader Deaf sporting community and supporting pathways toward future national and international opportunities, including potential Deaflympic selection.
The 2030 Games will mark the return of the Australian Deaf Games to Western Australia for the first time since Perth hosted the 13th Australian Deaf Games in 2001, adding further significance to Bunbury’s selection as host city.
Bunbury’s selection reflects the strength of Western Australia’s Deaf community and the opportunity to build a lasting legacy for sport, inclusion and volunteering across the region.
Deaf Sports Australia President Hannah Britton said the organisation was proud to confirm Bunbury as the host city for the 2030 Games.
“The Australian Deaf Games are more than a sporting event — they are a national celebration of Deaf culture, community and achievement. The Games leave a legacy that extends far beyond sport. They create opportunities for communities to learn about Deaf culture and Auslan, and build a greater sense of inclusion for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people. Bunbury has a wonderful opportunity to showcase its commitment to being a welcoming and accessible city for everyone.”
City of Bunbury Mayor Jaysen Miguel said the city was delighted to welcome the 2030 Australian Deaf Games to the region.
“On behalf of the City of Bunbury, I am absolutely delighted to welcome the 2030 Australian Deaf Games to our region. This is a proud moment for our community.
Bunbury has a well-earned reputation as one of WA’s premier events destinations, and we cannot wait to open our doors to more than 800 athletes, officials, families and supporters from across Australia and the Pacific.
Events like these are about so much more than sport. They celebrate community, connection and culture, and they leave a lasting legacy. We are committed to making the 2030 Games the most accessible and welcoming yet, and to showcasing everything our beautiful coastal region has to offer.
Bunbury is ready, and we can’t wait to see you here in 2030.”
Western Australia Deaf Recreation Association (WADRA) President Jen Moloney-Hyde said Western Australia was proud to host the Games.
“Western Australia is incredibly proud and honoured to host the next Australian Deaf Games. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our vibrant Deaf community, celebrate Deaf culture, and inspire more Deaf and hard-of-hearing people to participate in sport. We look forward to welcoming athletes, officials, volunteers, families, and supporters from across Australia to experience our beautiful state and strong sense of community.
The Australian Deaf Games leave a lasting legacy by building friendships, developing future athletes and leaders, and strengthening connections within the Deaf community. WADRA is excited to work alongside our partners, volunteers, and the wider community to deliver a successful, inclusive, and memorable Games that everyone can be proud of.”
The announcement is expected to generate strong interest from the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, Children of Deaf Adults (CODA) community, local Western Australian residents, Auslan interpreters and volunteers who will help deliver an accessible and welcoming Games experience.
Further details, including sport program, venues, registration, volunteering opportunities and community events, will be announced in the lead-up to Easter 2030.
About the Australian Deaf Games
The Australian Deaf Games bring together Deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes, supporters and community members from across Australia to compete, celebrate Deaf culture and strengthen community connection through sport. The Games provide opportunities for participation at social and elite levels and support athlete development pathways from grassroots competition through to international Deaf sport such as the Deaflympics and Asia Pacific Deaf Games.
Media contact
Sam Cartledge
Board Director, Deaf Sports Australia
sam.cartledge@deafsports.org.au
Phil Harper
General Manager, Deaf Sports Australia
phil.harper@deafsports.org.au
Kate Fielding
Team Leader Strategic Communications & Engagement, City of Bunbury
kfielding@bunbury.wa.gov.au