One-Year-Out: 2026 Australian Deaf Games Take Shape

More than 1,200 athletes, officials, volunteers, and visitors from across Australia will converge to compete in 16 medal sports and four demonstration events along with an extensive social program that will see events, tours, visits, and gatherings located throughout the Sunshine Coast region.

Tim Mander MP Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games said the Australian Deaf Games are a celebration of sport, community, and ambition, bringing together Deaf and hard of hearing Australians in a multi-sport environment where every participant can compete at the level they aspire to.

“We want to ensure Queensland remains the sporting powerhouse of Australia. The Deaf Games reflect our commitment to showcasing world-class sporting experiences across the state and ensuring every region plays a role in our Olympic and Paralympic journey.”

Sunshine Coast Economy Portfolio Councillor Joe Natoli said the 2026 Australian Deaf Games would be a defining moment for our region—an opportunity to celebrate diversity, showcase our inclusive spirit, and welcome athletes and supporters from across Australia and the Pacific.

“The Sunshine Coast is proud to be a place where everyone belongs, and I know our community will rally behind this incredible event," Cr Natoli said.

"And still to come are capacity building opportunities, including AUSLAN (Australian Sign Language) training for volunteers and businesses to allow them to be highly engaged with participants."

Deaf Connect Chief Executive Officer Brett Casey said the Australian Deaf Games provide a vital Deaf space for Deaf Australians to strengthen community connections and celebrate Deaf culture.

“As Principal Sponsor of the Australian Deaf Games for the second consecutive time, we’re proud to be part of this incredible event once again," Mr Casey said. 

"Deaf spaces like the ADG help grow the Deaf ecosystem by giving both first-time competitors and experienced athletes the opportunity to belong, to represent, and to shine.

“Building stronger connections within the Deaf community is something Deaf Connect is deeply committed to. 

"With just one year to go, we look forward to seeing the spirit our community will bring to the Sunshine Coast in 2026.”

2026 ADG Organising Committee confirmed

Chairperson Kathryn Armfield will lead the 2026 ADG Games Organising Committee (GOC), supported by a skilled and passionate team. With only the Sport Coordinator role yet to be filled, the committee is well-positioned to deliver a Games that celebrates community, accessibility, and excellence.

• Debbie Kennewell – Registration Coordinator 
• Llewellyn Jones – Social Coordinator – supported by Kylie Ward
• Dr. Monique Beedles – Transport and Logistics Coordinator 
• Sara–Jane Seery – Volunteer Coordinator - supported by Leanne Watts
• Susan Gosses - Interpreter coordinator
• Sally Strobridge - Ceremonies coordinator
• Bec Prideaux – Communication coordinator
• Sport coordinator - currently vacant

Kathryn Armfield said “the 2026 Australian Deaf Games Organising Committee was working together with Sunshine Coast Council and Deaf Sports Recreation Queensland to achieve the best games ever.

“The Committee extend their sincere thanks to the many local service partners whose commitment and collaboration are vital to the success of the Games. “And I look forward to seeing everyone at the Games in one years’ time.”

2026 ADG Sunshine Coast venues confirmed

Deaf Sports Australia General Manager Phil Harper confirmed the following sport venues for the Games:

• Caloundra Golf Club - Golf 
• Caloundra Indoor Stadium - Basketball, Futsal, Netball, Table Tennis and Opening Ceremony
• Integrated Athletics - CrossFit
• Mooloolaba Beach - Beach Volleyball and Surfing
• Mooloolaba Bowls Club - Lawn Bowls, Darts and secondary Games Hub
• Mountain Creek Swim Club - Swimming
• Sunshine Coast Indoor Sports Centre – Indoor Cricket
• Sunshine Coast Cue Sports Association - Eight ball
• Sunshine Coast Regional Tennis Centre – Tennis
• Sunshine Coast Recreation Precinct – Currumundi - Chess, Pickleball
• Sunshine Coast Stadium Precinct - Rugby 7’s, Football, Touch Football
• Kings Beach Amphitheatre - Closing Ceremony

Mr. Harper said they were excited to be working with the Sunshine Coast Council and the Caloundra Library on an opportunity to provide a National Deaf Exhibition curated by the Deaf Connect team, showcasing wonderful aspects of our Australian Deaf community diversity and history. 

"This includes sport at the Caloundra Library – a broader extension of our first exhibition at the Newcastle Library during the 2024 Australian Deaf Games, Mr Harper said.”

“Volunteers are also vital to us delivering a safe, fun, and seamless event. 

"More than 100 volunteers have already registered. More are welcome!”.

For more information go to the 2026 Australian Deaf Games website at – austdeafgames.org.au

Games sponsors

Deaf Sports Australia (DSA) and the Games Organising Committee would like to thank the following for their great support and commitment for the Games:

• Tourism and Events Queensland, the QLD Government’s tourism, and major events agency
• Sunshine Coast Council
• Deaf Connect – Principal Games Sponsor
• Caloundra RSL – Principal Games Venue Partner
• Sunshine FM – Official Games Radio Partner
• Sunshine Coast Airport
• Convo – Platinum Sponsor

About the ADG

The Australian Deaf Games started in 1964 and has been hosted all around Australia. The 2022 (postponed to January 2024) Australian Deaf Games were hosted in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie and were the 19^th Australian Deaf Games to take place.