South Australia’s Sensory Bus  

We’re excited to announce that Autism SA has been selected as the operator of the first South Australia’s Sensory Bus! 

South Australia is dedicated to creating welcoming, sensory-friendly environments and building a more autism-inclusive community. This commitment is embedded in both the State Autism Strategy and the Autism Inclusion Charter. 

For many Autistic people, everyday sensations—such as sound, light, touch, and smell—can be experienced differently. In busy public settings, this can result in sensory overload. Despite growing awareness, there are limited permanent supports available at public events. 

To address this, the Office for Autism is transforming a decommissioned bus—donated by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport and Torrens Transit—into a mobile sensory space.  

Photo: (left) The First SA Sensory Bus (right) Autism SA Rebecca Morton, Executive Manager Clinical, Care and Community, and Helen Greham, CEO. 

This sensory bus will travel to government and community events across South Australia, providing a dignified therapeutic space for those who need it. Project partners include Kelsian as a sponsor, Autism SA as the service operator, design by Cox Architecture, construction by McMahon Services, mechanical support from Torrens Transit, and project support from Ventia. 

Helen Graham, Autism SA shared,

“As South Australia’s peak autism body, Autism SA is incredibly proud to be awarded the contract to operate the state’s first Sensory Bus. This initiative brings us one step closer to our vision—that every autistic person can live the life they choose in an inclusive society. We’re excited to offer a purpose-built, mobile sensory space to the community—something we know, from years of listening, is truly valued. The Autistic and autism community have consistently told us that access to a quiet space to pause and regulate can be the difference between attending and enjoying an event or missing out entirely. We’re honoured to deliver something so needed, meaningful, and driven by community voice.” 

Photo: The Hon Emily Bourke MLC – Minister for Autism (middle), Autism SA CEO, Helen Graham (middle) and representatives from Autism SA, the Office for Autism, the Department for Infrastructure and Transport and Torrens Transit, Cox Architecture, and the Autistic and autism community. 

Sensory Bus Autistic Artwork Competition 

To mark this exciting initiative, the Office for Autism is launching the “Spaces We Shape” Art Competition—a celebration of Autistic creativity, identity, and sensory expression. We’re inviting Autistic individuals to design the exterior of the mobile sensory bus. 

This is an opportunity to shape how the bus looks and share your perspective with thousands across South Australia. Winning artworks will be featured on the bus, which will serve as a travelling symbol of inclusion at community events. 

Photo: The Hon Emily Bourke MLC – Minister for Autism, Autism SA Amy Suri, OT Lead, Helen Graham, CEO, Rebecca Morton, Executive Manager Clinical, Care and Community, and Rob Dempsey, Torrens Foundation Board Member, Office for Autism, Sarah Kemp and Tanya Day.  

Competition Details: 

  • Categories:  
    • Autistic children (ages 4–17) 
    • Autistic adults (18+) 
  • Entries open: Tuesday 29 July 2025 
  • Entries close: Monday 25 August 2025 
  • Prize: Winning artwork featured on the Sensory Bus exterior! 

This is your chance to showcase creativity, celebrate sensory expression, and help shape a welcoming, inclusive space for our community. 

More information, including how to enter, is available at:  www.officeforautism.sa.gov.au/sensory-bus-art-competition