Sensory room named in Vixens legend’s honour

The Ingles Family Sensory Room at John Cain Arena, supported by RACV, is the world’s first KultureCity-certified sensory inclusive space for netball.

Providing a comfortable and inclusive space for fans on the spectrum and their families to enjoy Vixens home games, the sensory room offers activities like colouring and toy blocks, with headphones, beanbags and soft toys to keep attendees occupied.

With seats available behind or in front of the glass, fans can choose to watch all the on-court action live and in comfort, away from the noise of the game.

KultureCity is the leading non-profit organisation on sensory accessibility. Renae and her husband, NBA star Joe Ingles, sit on the board of KultureCity as passionate advocates for autism and sensory disorder awareness. Their eldest son, five-year-old Jacob, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder three years ago.

“It means everything to us to have this room named after us, we’re passionate about all that we do at KultureCity,” said Renae.

“We’re really excited to be honoured in this way, and that more families get the opportunities that we get with the sensory space at John Cain Arena.”

“We’re very passionate about the netball and in particular the Melbourne Vixens. We plan on going to the netball for years and years to come, and this means that we can bring Jacob to the netball.”

“We're proud to be leading the way by offering the world's first KultureCity-certified sensory inclusive space for netball,” said Netball Victoria and Melbourne Vixens CEO, Rosie King OAM.

“Renae and Joe are wonderful advocates for autism awareness and beloved members of the Vixens family – we’re privileged to be able to name this initiative in honour of the entire Ingles family.”

Renae was part of the inaugural Melbourne Vixens team at its formation in 2007, playing an integral role in the club’s first championship in 2009 and returning in 2018-19 following the birth of her twins, Jacob and Milla.

At all home games, Vixens fans can book tickets to watch the match from the Ingles Family Sensory Room or collect a KultureCity pack from the information booth at John Cain Arena.