Deaf Festival 2026

Bringing together Deaf and hard of hearing people, families, friends, allies, organisations and the wider community, Deaf Festival is a day to connect, celebrate, learn and experience the richness of Deaf culture. Deaf Festival has been part of Victoria’s Deaf and hard of hearing community since 1932. What began as the Christmas Rally has grown into one of the community’s most anticipated annual events — bringing people together to reconnect, celebrate and share in Deaf culture. In 2026, the Festival continues that tradition while helping fund something critically important to our community: Auslan Emergency Interpreting Expression Australia’s Auslan Emergency Interpreting service provides 24/7, on-demand access to Auslan interpreting during emergency situations. When every second counts, communication matters. Expression Australia currently self-funds this vital service because equitable access to emergency communication should not be a privilege. By attending, supporting or sponsoring Deaf Festival 2026, you are helping create a future where Deaf Australians can access emergency communication when they need it most.