Shopping centre operator Westfield has launched Auslan Santa, an initiative for hearing-impaired children who use Auslan as their primary form of communication. 

Auslan, the sign language used by Deaf Australians, does not use English sentence structure and has its own syntax and vocabulary. Although the language itself is much older, Trevor Johnston invented the term Auslan, an acronym for Australian Sign Language, in the early 1980s.

In collaboration with Deaf Australia, Auslan Santa builds on the success of Sensitive Santa in 2019, a customised experience for those with sensory problems, anxiety, disabilities, or families who simply need more time.

“Auslan Santa continues our commitment to make the magical Santa experience more accessible to more of our customers,” said Pam Wilson, Scentre Group national community experience manager. 

In addition to assisting the Auslan Santa at Westfield, Deaf Australia and event service providers, Scene to Believe, has been working to educate and train Westfield Santas to connect more effectively with deaf and hard-of-hearing children.

Ausland will be introduced in selected Westfield Living Centres in NSW, Victoria, and Queensland on the following dates: Westfield Parramatta on November 26, Westfield Southland in Victoria on November 27, and Westfield Chermside in Queensland on December 2. Bookings can be made online at the centres’ websites or via www.westfield.com.au.