Quiet Room - Australian Athletics All schools Championships 2025

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A calm and supportive space for athletes and families

We are excited to introduce a Quiet Room at this year’s Chemist Warehouse Australian Athletics All Schools Championships FROM 04 Dec - 07 Dec 2025. This space has been created in partnership with Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) and reflects our commitment to creating safe and inclusive athletics environments for autistic athletes, families and everyone attending the championships.

The Quiet Room is a calm and comfortable place where anyone can take time away from the noise and excitement of the event. Big athletics events can be full of movement, sound and emotion, and this space is here to support anyone who may need a moment to reset before heading back into the action.

What the Quiet Room offers

The Quiet Room is a peaceful environment designed to help people reset, feel grounded and at ease. Inside you will find a range of support items for comfort and regulation. The room is open for short visits whenever someone needs a break or a quiet moment.

Many athletes and families use the quiet room to

  • take a break before or after competing
  • briefly step away from crowds and movement
  • regulate emotions or sensory overwhelm
  • rest between events
  • reconnect with a parent, carer or support person in a quieter area

It is not a social space rather a gentle low-stimulus environment to pause, breathe, and feel ready to return to the event when comfortable.

Who can use the Quiet Room

In addition to providing support for autistic individuals and families, the space has been created for anyone who needs it, at any time during competition hours. The Quiet Room is open to everyone at All Schools, including but not limited to:

  • Athletes
  • Parents and families
  • Carers and support persons
  • Coaches and team managers
  • Officials and volunteers
  • Spectators

Young people are welcome to attend with a trusted adult. The space is here for anyone who may benefit from a quiet moment.

Where to find it

The Quiet Room will be located in one of the quieter indoor change rooms (labelled no. 9 on the map) within the stadium building at Lakeside. Signage will guide you from key points around the venue including the tunnel, the main concourse, and the information desk.

Directions

  1. Entry is through the athlete tunnel located under the main grandstand.
  2. Walk straight ahead and follow the path past First Aid on your right.
  3. After First Aid, take an immediate left turn into the corridor.
  4. Continue down the hallway past Team Change A.
  5. Take the next left turn into Team Change B.
  6. The room will be clearly marked as Quiet Room.

Please note: The tunnel route has a small dip in the floor that may be difficult for some wheelchair users. If needed, the concourse route is more accessible.

If you are unsure how to find the room on the day, our staff and volunteers will be happy to guide you.

What you will find inside

The room has been set up to feel calm and gentle, with:

  • warm lighting
  • soft seating and cushions
  • a small range of sensory items, tools and fidget toys
  • minimal noise
  • hydration
  • clear expectations for sharing the space
  • a volunteer nearby if support is needed

Visitors are welcome to stay for as long as needed, though the room works best when people use it for short breaks and allow others to access it when they need to.

How to use the Quiet Room

When using the Quiet Room, we simply ask that people help keep it peaceful by speaking softly, moving calmly and respecting the comfort of others.

Why this space matters

Athletics is for everyone.

The excitement of competition can be inspiring, but it can also be overwhelming for some, especially in large venues with loud noises, bright visuals, and busy schedules.

The Quiet Room is part of our efforts to create events where every athlete, including those with a disability, and families feel supported, celebrated, and included. By offering a safe space to pause, we hope to make the Chemist Warehouse Australian Athletics All Schools Championships a more positive and rewarding experience for everyone.

If you need support on the day

If you have questions or would like help accessing the Quiet Room, please speak with an event staff member or volunteer. They will be easy to find throughout the venue and are happy to assist you at any time.

After the event

Share Your Experience

We are committed to improving the quiet rooms at future athletics events and competitions.

If you used the Quiet Room during the Australian All Schools Championships from 4th – 7th December 2025, we would appreciate your feedback through a short form.

Quiet Room Feedback

Thank you for helping us make athletics more inclusive and welcoming for everyone.

Tickets Now On Sale!

Spectator tickets for the 2025 Chemist Warehouse Australian Athletics All Schools Championships are now available via INTIX. Purchase early and beat the event day price rise.
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November is Athletics Integrity Month

This month we're recognising Athletics Integrity Month, shining a light on the values that underpin our sport, in fairness, respect, safety and trust. For more information, check out the online hub.
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If you have any further questions or requirements, please contact anshul.thakran@athletics.org.au.

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