Westfield❜s Auslan Santa for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children Returns This Christmas

At one of the jolliest times of the year, it can be easy to forget or take our and our family's opportunities to participate and celebrate for granted. 

Something as simple as a little one sharing their holiday wish list with Santa can be inaccessible for many kids, including those with speech and hearing issues. 

Westfield Brings Back Auslan Santa in 2023

Auslan Santa is a program piloted in 2022 by Westfield in collaboration with Deaf Australia, offering children who use Auslan as their primary form of communication the chance to share their Christmas wish list directly with an Auslan-fluent Santa. 

Auslan Santa is returning this year, and the Deaf and hard of hearing community will once again have the opportunity to visit select Westfield's in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and the ACT to enjoy their own dedicated Auslan Santa session. The sessions with Santa will be longer and will have helpers and an interpreter to facilitate. 

Deaf Australia Chief Executive Officer, Jen Blyth said: "A Deaf Santa contributes to the magic of the Christmas experience for Deaf and hard of hearing children who can communicate with them in their own language, so we are delighted to work with Westfield on this experience. We cannot wait for our children to meet a Santa who is just like them and who can finally answer important questions about the North Pole!" 

Related: Santa Photos in Sydney 2023

For locations and specific Auslan Santa times, visit the website.

Sensitive Santa for Children With Sensory Processing Challenges

Auslan Santa comes after the success of the 2019 launch of Sensitive Santa. Sensitive Santa is a tailored experience for those with sensory challenges, anxiety, disabilities, or families requiring more time. Sensitive Santa started as a trial concept in one centre in 2017 before being rolled out to all 42 Westfield centres in 2019 across Australia and New Zealand. As well as Auslan Santa, Sensitive Santa will be available again this year. 

Find out more about booking sessions with Sensitive Santa. 

Santa Photography Key Dates

Santa's arrival in Westfield Centres: From 12 November 2023

Photography dates: From 12 November (may vary by centre) until 24 December 

For locations and specific Auslan Santa times, visit the website.

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