Sound Sensitivity Stations a first at Tamworth Country Music Festival

Kennards Hire has teamed up with Tamworth Regional Council to deliver Sound Sensitivity Stations at this week’s Tamworth Country Music Festival, offering free earplugs to support people with sensory needs. 

The stations will be set up for the entirety of the festival and are aimed at enabling individuals with sound sensitivity and neurodivergent requirements to experience the excitement and thrill of the event, without the risk of being overwhelmed by noise levels.

It’s the first time the dispensers and stations have been installed in Australia, having launched the first-of-its-kind initiative at New Zealand’s Eden Park in 2024. The concept was devised by a Kennards Hire team member and has since been expanded to Forsyth Barr in Dunedin, as well as Eden Park adding further two stations.

“After a successful partnership with Eden Park and Forsythe Barr in New Zealand, we’re delighted to see the initiative rolled out at an Australian venue and event for the first time.” Craig McMahon, Area Manager at Kennards Hire, said.

“Tamworth Country Music Festival is such an iconic event in the Australian music calendar – we feel it’s important for those with sound sensitivity or neurodivergent needs still be able to enjoy the magic of the festival.”

“We’re proud to play a part in making the festival more welcoming and hope that these stations and ear plug dispensers become a familiar feature across venues and events in Australia and New Zealand.”

Barry Harley, Manager, Events & Country Music at Tamworth Regional Council said the move is part of the Festival’s vision.

“Our team has taken a number of steps in recent years towards making the Festival more inclusive in a variety of ways, including the Sensory Space in the CBD.”

:This activation by Kennards Hire is another step forward in allowing people with sensitivities and neurodivergence to be part of the action in Toyota Park.”

With 15 per cent of Australians reporting some level of sound sensitivity, the aim is that the initiative from Kennards Hire will not just benefit a number of festival goers this week but also transform major event experiences for more Australians and increase accessibility to further events and venues.

“I’m proud that Uniting Local Area Coordination is partnering with the Tamworth Regional Council. Together, we are making community events more welcoming for everyone,” Yvette Humphrys, Project Officer, Uniting  Local Area Coordination, said.

“This is our second year running a Sensory Space at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. The Sensory Space is a calm, quiet place where people can take a break if things feel a bit too much.”

“We’re also delighted that Kennards Hire is supporting this community initiative through its Sound Sensitivity Stations. When spaces are more inclusive, everyone can join in, and the community benefits.”