Accessibility Information
Williamstown Town Hall Accessibility
The Williamstown Town Hall aims to be a safe and accessible space for all. The information below is provided to assist with planning your visit or event. If you require more information, have special requests or specific needs that we can assist with, please get in touch via venues@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
Williamstown Town Hall Carpark Access diagram (accessible parking spots in blue, extra event drop off point in yellow/blue hatch and accessway in green)
Drop Off / Pick Up
The accessible entrance (Door 1) can be accessed from either Ferguson St or the rear car park. The Ferguson St car park and on street parking may be used for drop off or pick up. The yellow painted area alongside the Town Hall in the rear car park may be used if the parking spots in front of the building are in use; this is identified in the carpark access diagram above in yellow and blue cross hatch pattern.
For taxi or rideshare drop off, please use the address 104 Ferguson St Williamstown.
Accessible Parking
The closest accessible parking spot is directly in front of the Town Hall on Ferguson St. This has a kerb ramp from street to footpath level and leads to the Town Hall main accessible entrance via the forecourt. The Ferguson St car park has two accessible parking spots and is level to the accessible entrance with a pathway marked in yellow through the car park to the forecourt. There are additional accessible parking spots in the Coles car park (not pictured).
The accessible parking spots are identified with blue boxes on carpark access diagram above. The accessible path from car parks to the entrance is identified in the carpark access diagram with green arrows.
Wheelchair Entrance
The primary entrance, known as Door 1 or the Town Hall / Library linkway, is the accessible entrance used for events. This is identified on the map above with a yellow star.
For crew and performers, the Ballroom doors and Supper Room foyer doors are also accessible and can be used for access prior to the event opening to the public.
If you need to gain access at an event and are unable to, please call 0417 168 495 and one of the venue staff will be able to assist.
Approach from Ferguson St accessible street car park
Approach from Ferguson St carpark accessible parks
Approach from rear car park
Access
The ground floor is accessible for mobility restricted patrons with entry via the shared linkway between the Town Hall and the Williamstown Library.
The old Council Chambers and Meeting Rooms on the first floor are accessible via a lift that services the Town Hall / Library linkway near Door 1.
The Ballroom Balcony and stage are not currently wheelchair accessible. Where wheelchair access is required on stage, temporary wheelchair lifters may be organised with the venue by hirers in advance of their event.
Ballroom stage has a rake and accordingly is slanted.
Dependent on event requirements, the Supper Room entrance may also be used as a direct accessible entrance to the Supper Room.
There is a mix of manual and automated doors throughout the facility. Automated doors are sensor activated to enter and there is a green push button on nearby walls for exit. Manual doors have lever handles.
The Ada Cambridge Forecourt at the front of the Town Hall makes a great break out space for attendees to have some fresh air and take a seat on the grass. There is an accessible pathway leading to the grass to allow everyone to enjoy this space.
Accessible Bathrooms
Two accessible toilets are available on the ground floor, off the Ballroom Foyer and Supper Room. An additional accessible toilet is available on the first floor as you enter the building from the level one linkway. These all feature wheelchair height basins and mirrors.
There are no additional ambulant toilets.
Hearing Augmentation and Vision Assistance Services
Hearing loop functionality is available with the venue, please contact us to discuss how we can assist as early as possible in your planning.
If you are at an event and require hearing assistance, please speak with one of our venue staff.
Live captions, live subtitles recorded captions and transcripts may be organised directly though AI Media, information and contact details are available at www.ai-media.tv/industry/events. You may wish alternatively to use your own suppliers or volunteers.
Auslan signing services may be provided within the venue, this can be organised directly with Auslan Stage Left information and contact details are available at www.auslanstageleft.com.au. You may wish alternatively to use your own suppliers or volunteers.
For support with readability for people with low vision visit www.visionaustralia.org/services/digital-access/resources/tip-sheets-whitepapers/tips-for-accessibility-testing
Seating
We have a range of seating options at the venue including low and high seats, seats with (limited) and without arm rests and benches. Hirers can arrange for these to be pre-set during venue setup. If you are a patron and need an alternative seat, please ask one of our venue staff.
On request, we can leave space at the front or in other identified areas for wheel chair seating and remove seats as requested for safe use or storage for walking frames.
Companion Card
As part of Council's commitment to improving participation for all community members, it is a condition of venue hire that all events operating from this facility accept the Companion Card. If you are at an event and need assistance with the event's Box Office or Front of House staff regarding use of the Companion Card, please contact the venue staff on 0417 168 495.
Venue hirers may also consider independently affiliating their event with the Companion Card Program. For more information on the Companion Card, visit www.companioncard.org.au
Guide Dogs and Service Dogs
Guide dogs and service dogs are welcome within the Williamstown Town Hall. If you need a water bowl for your guide or service dog, please ask one of the venue staff.
Some events may feature large crowds, loud music, strobe lighting and the use of theatrical smoke which may be stressful for some dogs, please contact venues@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au if you need to discuss.
Virtual Tour
Coming Soon
Resources
Download printable PDF of accessibility information
Venue Information Guide
Contact
If you would like to discuss how we can assist ahead of your visit, please email venues@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au