Operate a Sensory Bus - Expression of Interest

The Office for Autism, through the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, is seeking an operator for the state's proposed new mobile sensory space.

Many autistic people, and others who identify with neurodivergence, may face a lot of anxiety about attending events. Due to differences in sensory processing, events may become too loud, bright, crowded, or there may be too many conflicting smells or sounds. Sensory overwhelm in these environments can mean some individuals and families miss out on our state's amazing festivals or events.

To help address this challenge, the Office for Autism has conceptualised a sensory bus - a portable sensory space for government and community events. The bus will offer dignified access to an evidence-based, therapeutic sensory space for autistic and neurodivergent people when and where they need it.

The Office for Autism has released an expression of interest for an eligible organisation to become the operator of the sensory bus who will staff the sensory bus at a set number of major government events.

A sponsorship package is available to support the successful operator with elements of running the sensory bus like storage, driver labour and vehicle registration.

Outside of government events to which the sensory bus will be committed, the operator will be able to widely deploy the sensory bus for their own purposes to maximise access and inclusion and enrich the experiences of South Australian communities.

Key dates

Applications for this Expression of Interest have now closed.