BIGSOUND Expands Concert Care with Auslan Concierge and Strobe-Free Venues

BIGSOUND will expand QMusic's Concert Care program in 2026, introducing an Auslan Concierge Service, live captioning across conference sessions and strobe-free showcase venues as part of a broader push to improve safety, accessibility and inclusion across the event.

Now in its fifth year, Concert Care will operate as a whole-of-event program during BIGSOUND, which runs from September 1st — 4th in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley.

At the centre of the expanded program will be the Concert Care Hub at 400 Rabbits, open from 9am until midnight until Thursday, September 3rd.

The sensory-friendly space will be staffed by accessibility support workers and Mental Health First Aiders, giving BIGSOUND attendees somewhere to seek assistance, ask accessibility questions, or take time away from the event.

QMusic CEO Kristy Ellis said the program reflected the organisation's commitment to creating a music industry in which people could participate safely and confidently.

“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,” Ellis said. 

“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 evert has a role to play in creating safer spaces.”

A roaming Concert Care crew will also return across BIGSOUND venues, with team members identifiable by bright blue vests, acting as active bystanders throughout the precinct.

All conference sessions at The Fortitude Music Hall, The Outpost and The Precinct will feature live captioning, while every BIGSOUND showcase venue will be strobe-free for the first time. 

Selected conference sessions dealing with sensitive topics will also have a trained therapeutic support person available during and immediately after the session through a partnership with Hey Mate.

Another addition for 2026 is a pilot Auslan Concierge Service, allowing delegates to request an Auslan interpreter to accompany them to selected events across the BIGSOUND program.

The expanded initiative follows the direction outlined in Moonside: The Queensland Night-Life Economy Commissioner's Report 2026 and the Queensland Nightlife Economy Action Plan 2026-2032.

Queensland Night-Life Economy Commissioner John “JC” Collins AM said Concert Care provided an example of how those principles could work in real life.

“Concert Care is a strong example of what safer, more inclusive nightlife looks like in practice. 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,” he said. 

“BIGSOUND is exactly the kind of environment where this work matters. It brings together artists, audiences, venues and industry across one walkable precinct, and it shows how safety is not just about responding when something goes wrong, but about building the culture, systems and support that help people feel confident, included and safe in the first place.”

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 said. 

“Our ambition extends beyond BIGSOUND 2026. We plan to expand Concert Care to support more people and music spaces across Queensland.”

Concert Care formally 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.