Have you ever wanted to play pinball but felt overwhelmed by all the flashing lights and loud noises? Introducing ‘Pinclusive’ – a sensory-friendlier way to engage.
Pinfest, Australia’s longest running pinball festival, is on again next weekend and the organisers want to make the fun of playing pinball accessible to everyone.
Trialling sensory-friendlier sessions for the very first time, event organiser Newcastle Pinball Association (NPA) says they have taken inspiration from sensory shopping sessions at supermarkets, ‘This will definitely be a learning experience for us, but we are hopeful that this will be the beginning of something special’.
To foster a more welcoming environment for people with sensory sensitivities they are making the following ‘Pinclusive’ accommodations:
* Sessions are held in a smaller room away from the bustle and noise of the main event;
* Start time is 1 hour after the main session start time so the bulk of the crowd will have filtered inside the main event room before ‘Pinclusive’ attendees arrive;
* Session times are limited to one hour and tickets are strictly limited to 20, including tickets for carers, so as to not over-crowd the room;
* Room lighting will be lowered and game volumes reduced as much as possible.
Entry to ‘Pinclusive” sessions is FREE OF CHARGE but tickets are strictly limited and registration is essential. 14 pinball machines will be available and set to free play. All ages welcome.
WHEN: Saturday 20 September 2025
TIME: Session 1 – 10:30am to 11:30am OR Session 2 – 3:00pm to 4:00pm
WHERE: Club Macquarie, 458 Lake Rd, Argenton.
NPA acknowledge you know your personal needs better than they do. Please help them make it more enjoyable for you by bringing items you feel you’ll need for comfort, such as fidget toys, sunglasses if sensitive to light, or headphones if sensitive to noise.
Unfortunately, no space is available at the venue to offer a ‘Chill Zone’ or a ‘Time Out Corner’ separate from the room. If you need a time out, going outside to get away from the event is suggested. You may exit and re-enter as many times as you like during the session time.
If these sessions appeal to you and you’d like a ticket, or you have questions, please reach out to NPA member Clint via email at clint.starrett@gmail.com
