Access and Inclusion

Melbourne Writers Festival is committed to ensuring that everyone can enjoy the festival. If you have a question about access, please contact our ticketing team who will be happy to assist you. 

 

How to contact the ticketing team  

By email: ticketing@mwf.com.au  

By phone: (03) 9094 7871 (Monday–Friday, 10am–4pm) 

TTY users can phone 133 677 and ask for (03) 9094 7871. 

Speak and Listen users can phone 1300 555 727 and ask for (03) 9094 7871. 

Melbourne Writers Festival also accepts calls via the National Relay Service. Registration is required for this service. Call 133 677 or visit relayservice.gov.au for more information. 

 

Booking accessible seats  

Melbourne Writers Festival holds an allocation of accessible seats for our patrons. So we can provide you with the best seating options, please contact our ticketing team to:  

• book accessible seats 

• book a seat with the best eyeline of an Auslan interpreter 

• book a seat with access to the hearing loop at The Capitol 

• book a complimentary ticket as a Companion Card holder

• request an Auslan interpreter 

 

Low-cost tickets 

If you are experiencing financial difficulty, please contact our ticketing team by calling (03) 9094 7871 (Monday–Friday, 10am–4pm). We would love to discuss low-cost or other options with you to ensure you can join us at MWF.  

 

Venues  

All MWF venues are accessible. For information regarding accessibility at festival venues, please visit our Venues webpage 

 

Access symbols  

On our website and in our program guide, you’ll see the following symbols.  

  • This event will be Auslan-interpreted  

  • This event has access to a hearing loop  

  • This event has seating for wheelchair uses  

 

Auslan-interpreted events  

The following events are Auslan-interpreted. To request an Auslan interpreter at any other event or to book a seat with the best eyeline of the interpreter, please contact our ticketing team by emailing ticketing@mwf.com.au or calling (03) 9094 7871.  

  • Opening Night: Magical Thinking

  • Queerstories

If you would like to request Auslan interpretation at any other MWF event, please contact our ticketing team at the time of booking. We require at least two weeks notice prior to the event to confirm an interpreter. 

Hearing loop access  

Many of our events are located at venues with a hearing loop, wherein patrons can tune their own hearing aid device to the hearing loop to hear amplified sound. These venues are located below. 

Conversation Quarter, State Library Victoria  

This venue has a temporary hearing loop available. When you arrive at the event, please contact an MWF volunteer or venue staff member to access the hearing loop system. 

State Library Theatrette  

This venue has a permanent hearing loop. When you arrive at the event, please contact an MWF volunteer or venue staff member to access the hearing loop system. 

The Capitol  

Select seats at The Capitol also have access to the hearing loop. To book a seat with access to the hearing loop, please contact our ticketing team by emailing ticketing@mwf.com.au or calling (03) 9094 7871. 

Create Quarter, State Library Victoria  

This venue has a permanent hearing loop available. When you arrive at the event, please contact an MWF volunteer or venue staff member to access the hearing loop system. 

The Wheeler Centre

This venue has a permanent hearing loop available. When you arrive at the event, please contact an MWF volunteer or venue staff member to access the hearing loop system. 

Fringe Common Rooms

This venue has a hearing loop available. When you arrive at the event, please contact an MWF volunteer or venue staff member to access the hearing loop system. 

Companion cards  

Companion Card holders can receive a complimentary ticket for their companion. To book, please email ticketing@mwf.com.au or call (03) 9094 7871. 

 

Assistance animals  

Melbourne Writers Festival venues welcomes assistance animals at our events. Please ensure you have accreditation with you at your event. 

At the event, please speak to a MWF volunteer or member of venue staff who will show you to preferred seats.

 

Audio guide 

To access an audio version of our program guide, please visit our Program Guide webpage 

 

Remote events  

Melbourne Writers Festival is working closely with Vision Australia to broadcast a selection of events to radio.   

Subscribe to the MWF podcast by searching for ‘Melbourne Writers Festival’ wherever you listen to podcasts to listen to events after the festival.  

 

Volunteers  

Look out for our friendly and knowledgeable volunteers at this year’s festival. Volunteers will be present at venues to help visitors access their events safely.