Accessibility ramp allows everyone to take centre stage at GECC

Published on 08 January 2026

Guests attending events at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre (GECC) will now benefit from improved accessibility, with a new stage ramp installed and ready for use within the venues convention halls.

Last year, the GECC team were tasked with enhancing accessibility in the venue’s Hall, particularly for guests who require mobility support or may feel uncomfortable navigating stage stairs.

GECC Production and Operations Team Leader Jayden Allen led the project, undertaking detailed research to ensure the final solution met the needs of guests while also supporting venue operations.

The new ramp provides a safe and inclusive entry point to the stage and can be decommissioned when additional floor space is required.

It will be in place by default for civic events such as the Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremonies, while also available on request for community hirers.

IMAGE: Carmen Jen (with service dog Oakley) and Kate Dufty test the new accessibility ramp at GECC with Jayden Allen and Cr Mellissa Holzheimer.

Gladstone Region Councillor Mellissa Holzheimer, who has a background in disability support, said the accessibility ramp is a welcome addition to the venue.

“Having previously worked within the disability sector, I’ve seen firsthand how much difference these thoughtful and practical improvements can make,” Cr Holzheimer said.

“This new ramp will make a real difference for many GECC patrons and I’m pleased to see the team continuing to improve accessibility throughout the venue as part of Gladstone Regional Council’s Access and Inclusion Action Plan.”

In another exciting development in addition to the accessibility ramp, GECC has also recently made the Auracast Assistive Hearing System available in both the Theatre and Convention Halls, offering three options for the hearing impaired to access assistive audio.

HEAR HERE: The Auracast Assistive Hearing System is now available at GECC.

Click here to read more about accessibility services at GECC.

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