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QMusic Expands Concert Care at BIGSOUND 2026 with Auslan Service, Live Captioning and Strobe-Free Venues
QMusic is turning the tables on festival safety at BIGSOUND 2026, expanding its Concert Care program with a first‑time Auslan concierge, live captioning for every conference session, and strobe‑free showcase venues. The changes aim to make the Brisbane Fortitude Valley experience safer, more accessible and welcoming for all attendees.
BIGSOUND 2026 will run from 1 to 4 September in the heart of Fortitude Valley. In its fifth year, the event will host a whole‑event Concert Care initiative. The centerpiece will be a sensory‑friendly space at 400 Rabbits, open from 9 a.m. until midnight on Thursday, 3 September. Accessibility support workers and Mental Health First Aiders will staff the hub, offering assistance, answering accessibility questions and providing a quiet place for anyone needing a break.
“BIGSOUND brings together thousands of people across Fortitude Valley, and we have a responsibility to make the experience as safe, accessible and welcoming as possible,” said QMusic CEO Kristy Ellis. “Concert Care is about more than responding when something goes wrong. It’s about creating the culture, systems and support that help people feel safe in the first place – and recognising that everyone has a role to play in creating safer spaces.” She emphasized that these measures reflect a proactive stance toward festival safety.
A roaming Concert Care crew will also be present at all BIGSOUND venues. Team members will wear bright blue vests and act as active bystanders throughout the precinct, ready to intervene or offer help when needed.
All conference sessions at The Fortitude Music Hall, The Outpost and The Precinct will feature live captioning. Every showcase venue will be strobe‑free for the first time. Selected conference sessions that cover sensitive topics will have a trained therapeutic support person available during and immediately after the session, in partnership with Hey Mate.
The pilot Auslan concierge service will allow delegates to request an Auslan interpreter to accompany them to selected events across the BIGSOUND program. Auslan, the sign language used by the majority of the Australian deaf community, will be available on a first‑come, first‑served basis. By offering Auslan interpretation on a first‑come, first‑served basis, QMusic acknowledges the growing demand for sign language services at large events and signals a shift toward more comprehensive accessibility provisions.
These expansions follow guidance from the Moonside: The Queensland Night‑Life Economy Commissioner’s Report 2026 and the Queensland Night‑Life Economy Action Plan 2026‑2032. Queensland Night‑Life Economy Commissioner John “JC” Collins AM said Concert Care demonstrates how safer, more inclusive nightlife can be achieved.
“Concert Care is a strong example of what safer, more inclusive nightlife looks like in practice,” Collins said. “It shows that when you design events with accessibility, wellbeing and active support in mind from the start, you create an experience that is more welcoming for everyone.”
QMusic plans to use BIGSOUND 2026 as a demonstration of the Concert Care model ahead of a planned expansion in 2027. The organisation is exploring opportunities to share the program’s framework, resources and services with venues, festivals and music communities across Queensland.
“Concert Care is continuing to evolve as we learn, improve and share what works so that safer, more accessible and inclusive spaces become part of the fabric of live music,” Ellis added. “Our ambition extends beyond BIGSOUND 2026. We plan to expand Concert Care to support more people and music spaces across Queensland.”
Concert Care was launched as a QMusic program in 2021 and incorporates safety, prevention, accessibility and inclusion initiatives, including dedicated support spaces, roaming crews, education and event safety systems.
The expanded program at BIGSOUND 2026 reflects a broader industry trend toward inclusive event design and demonstrates how technology and dedicated staff can create safer, more welcoming environments for all participants. The initiative also dovetails with Queensland’s broader nightlife strategy, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a leader in safe, inclusive entertainment.
BIGSOUND 2026 will run from 1 to 4 September in the heart of Fortitude Valley. In its fifth year, the event will host a whole‑event Concert Care initiative. The centerpiece will be a sensory‑friendly space at 400 Rabbits, open from 9 a.m. until midnight on Thursday, 3 September. Accessibility support workers and Mental Health First Aiders will staff the hub, offering assistance, answering accessibility questions and providing a quiet place for anyone needing a break.
“BIGSOUND brings together thousands of people across Fortitude Valley, and we have a responsibility to make the experience as safe, accessible and welcoming as possible,” said QMusic CEO Kristy Ellis. “Concert Care is about more than responding when something goes wrong. It’s about creating the culture, systems and support that help people feel safe in the first place – and recognising that everyone has a role to play in creating safer spaces.” She emphasized that these measures reflect a proactive stance toward festival safety.
A roaming Concert Care crew will also be present at all BIGSOUND venues. Team members will wear bright blue vests and act as active bystanders throughout the precinct, ready to intervene or offer help when needed.
All conference sessions at The Fortitude Music Hall, The Outpost and The Precinct will feature live captioning. Every showcase venue will be strobe‑free for the first time. Selected conference sessions that cover sensitive topics will have a trained therapeutic support person available during and immediately after the session, in partnership with Hey Mate.
The pilot Auslan concierge service will allow delegates to request an Auslan interpreter to accompany them to selected events across the BIGSOUND program. Auslan, the sign language used by the majority of the Australian deaf community, will be available on a first‑come, first‑served basis. By offering Auslan interpretation on a first‑come, first‑served basis, QMusic acknowledges the growing demand for sign language services at large events and signals a shift toward more comprehensive accessibility provisions.
These expansions follow guidance from the Moonside: The Queensland Night‑Life Economy Commissioner’s Report 2026 and the Queensland Night‑Life Economy Action Plan 2026‑2032. Queensland Night‑Life Economy Commissioner John “JC” Collins AM said Concert Care demonstrates how safer, more inclusive nightlife can be achieved.
“Concert Care is a strong example of what safer, more inclusive nightlife looks like in practice,” Collins said. “It shows that when you design events with accessibility, wellbeing and active support in mind from the start, you create an experience that is more welcoming for everyone.”
QMusic plans to use BIGSOUND 2026 as a demonstration of the Concert Care model ahead of a planned expansion in 2027. The organisation is exploring opportunities to share the program’s framework, resources and services with venues, festivals and music communities across Queensland.
“Concert Care is continuing to evolve as we learn, improve and share what works so that safer, more accessible and inclusive spaces become part of the fabric of live music,” Ellis added. “Our ambition extends beyond BIGSOUND 2026. We plan to expand Concert Care to support more people and music spaces across Queensland.”
Concert Care was launched as a QMusic program in 2021 and incorporates safety, prevention, accessibility and inclusion initiatives, including dedicated support spaces, roaming crews, education and event safety systems.
The expanded program at BIGSOUND 2026 reflects a broader industry trend toward inclusive event design and demonstrates how technology and dedicated staff can create safer, more welcoming environments for all participants. The initiative also dovetails with Queensland’s broader nightlife strategy, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a leader in safe, inclusive entertainment.